Pakistan’s Foreign Office has accused the Taliban regime of deliberately attempting to misrepresent terrorists as refugees, asserting that Islamabad is prepared to take every possible measure to protect its national security amid a rising tide of attacks originating from Afghan soil.
During his weekly media briefing today, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has witnessed a sharp surge in terrorist incidents emanating from its neighbor.
He noted that despite suffering significant military and civilian casualties over the years, Pakistan has consistently exercised maximum restraint and avoided escalating the situation.
Andrabi conveyed that Islamabad had expected the Taliban administration to eventually control these attacks and take concrete action against hostile groups, specifically naming the TTP and Fitna al Khawarij.
The spokesperson detailed Pakistan”s efforts to positively engage with the Afghan government through offers of bilateral trade and humanitarian assistance. However, he lamented that these gestures were met only with “hollow promises and inaction” from the Taliban regime.
He identified TTP, Fitna-al-Khawarij, BLA, and Fitna-al-Hindustan as declared enemies of the Pakistani state and its citizens, making it clear that any individual or entity harboring, abetting, or financing them cannot be considered a friend or well-wisher.
Andrabi strongly regretted what he described as the Taliban regime”s constant attempts to reframe the terrorism issue as a humanitarian one. He explained this is not a refugee crisis but a “ploy to frame terrorists as refugees.”
Clarifying Pakistan”s position on repatriation, he said the country is ready to receive any of its citizens living in Afghanistan, provided they are formally handed over at border crossings and not “hurled across the border fully equipped with sophisticated weapons.”
The spokesperson affirmed that while Pakistan has never refused dialogue with any government in Kabul, it will not negotiate with terrorist organizations such as the TTP or BLA.
Regarding commerce, Andrabi highlighted that while Pakistan is a strong proponent of regional trade and has extended concessions to Afghanistan, the Taliban”s failure to reciprocate and its continued support for anti-Pakistan elements have stalled progress. He stipulated that transit trade is conditional on the Taliban taking decisive steps against militants operating from its territory.
In his remarks, Andrabi also acknowledged and appreciated the sincere mediation efforts made by Qatar and Turkiye.