ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Taliban delegation tried to backtrack on its promises and spoiled the atmosphere through frivolous statements and accusations, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson.
According to a statement issued by the FO spokesperson, the third round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan concluded on November 7 in Istanbul, hosted by the brotherly countries of Turkiye and Qatar.
The statement said that ‘Pakistan appreciates the sincere and positive efforts of Turkiye and Qatar to resolve the differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the core issue of terrorism.
The statement said that during the last four years, since the Taliban government came to power in Afghanistan, there has been a significant increase in terrorist attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil.
Despite suffering immense casualties during these years, Pakistan has shown utmost patience and restraint and refrained from retaliatory action.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan expected that with time, the Taliban government would control terrorist attacks from its soil and take practical steps against TTP/Fitnatul Hindustan and other elements.
Pakistan has always tried to open avenues of cooperation with Afghanistan in trade, humanitarian, educational, and medical sectors, but in response, the Afghan government has only given promises and frivolous statements.
It is the primary responsibility of the Taliban government to prevent Afghan soil from being used against Pakistan, but in this regard, it is reluctant to take practical and verifiable steps.
Pakistan’s response in October 2025 reflects the determination and will that Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to protect its territory and people.
TTP/Fitnatul Hind and BLA/Fitnatul Ahrar are open enemies of Pakistan and its people, and anyone who shelters, helps, or finances them is not Pakistan’s well-wisher.
Pakistan is a supporter of peace and diplomacy and always considers the use of force as a last resort.
Following the sincere suggestions of Turkiye and Qatar, Pakistan decided to participate in the peace talks.
The Foreign Office added that ‘in the third round, Pakistan also adopted a positive and constructive attitude and emphasized on an effective monitoring system to combat terrorism, but the Afghan delegation made the talks fruitless through irrelevant allegations and claims.
Pakistan is ready to take back any Pakistani citizen, provided they are handed over to the Torkham or Chaman border in a formal manner, and not sent illegally with weapons and equipment.
The spokesperson said that ‘Pakistan will not negotiate with any terrorist group, be it TTP/Fitnatul Hind or BLA/Fitnatul Ahrar.
There are elements within the Taliban government who do not want a conflict with Pakistan, but a lobby funded by foreign funds is bent on spoiling relations.
According to the statement, the people and forces of Pakistan are united against terrorism.
The people of Pakistan know very well that the Pakistani people have borne the most losses as a result of terrorism from Afghan soil.
Pakistan is aware of its internal problems and has the capacity to solve them.
The Taliban government’s attempts to incite Pashtun nationalism are also condemnable. The fact is that the Pashtun people in Pakistan are a dynamic part of the state and society, playing a prominent role in politics, bureaucracy, and national institutions.
