Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Security Amid Border Concerns

The Foreign Office addressed reports concerning alleged Pakistani actions within Afghanistan on Friday, reiterating its dedication to protecting its populace through intelligence-driven counterterrorism efforts along the shared frontier.

During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated, “Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the security and welfare of its citizens. Our security forces and law enforcement agencies undertake focused operations in border regions to shield our citizens from terrorist threats, notably from groups like Fitna al-Khwarij or the TTP. These operations are meticulously planned using reliable and actionable intelligence and are carried out with precision.”

He emphasized Pakistan’s respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and its firm resolve to promote dialogue and collaboration with its neighbor to tackle the common challenge of terrorism.

“Pakistan has consistently given priority to diplomatic solutions, even when faced with persistent threats from terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We strongly urge the Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used to launch terrorist activities against Pakistan. Groups like TTP pose a mutual threat to the peace and stability of our region, necessitating collective action to counter their harmful influence,” the spokesperson asserted, conveying a clear message to Kabul.

Pakistan remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and constructive engagement, recognizing that both nations share a vested interest in combating terrorism and restoring stability.

“We maintain that Afghanistan should regain full sovereignty and security, and that terrorist entities like the TTP must be vigorously countered,” he added.

The spokesperson emphasized that the matter of terrorism originating from Afghanistan is a recurring element in all discussions and interactions with Kabul authorities at various levels.

“We have consistently highlighted the gravity of this issue, and from the Prime Minister to senior officials, our position has been articulated with clarity and firmness,” he noted.

Regarding the Afghan interim foreign minister’s ongoing visit to India, the spokesperson expressed no concerns, stating that Pakistan has consistently maintained that Afghanistan’s bilateral relations with other countries are a matter for those countries to decide. Afghanistan is a sovereign and independent nation, and Pakistan had no specific comment to offer on the matter.

“We monitor regional developments, and while respecting Afghanistan’s sovereign right to pursue its desired foreign policy, we request that Afghan territory not be used against Pakistan,” the spokesperson stated.

Concerning a potential visit by the Afghan interim foreign minister to Pakistan, given his travels to Moscow and New Delhi after the lifting of UN sanctions, the spokesperson remarked, “The Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister has visited Afghanistan. We anticipate that such a visit will occur in due course.”

When asked about Pakistan’s reaction to President Donald Trump not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, the spokesperson replied, “We nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of the significant and positive role played by the United States in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India in May, which led to the ceasefire. This role is evident and clear to all, except those who choose to ignore it. Therefore, we believed President Trump played a crucial role, and that is why we nominated him. I cannot comment on subsequent events.”

Addressing reports about Pakistan offering the US the opportunity to construct a seaport at Pasni, the spokesperson provided the first official remarks on the matter.

“Firstly, various commercial proposals are under consideration, and it is not appropriate for us to comment officially as no official position or initiative has been taken by the Government of Pakistan. Our efforts to foster positive relations with the United States are founded on mutual respect.”

“Pakistan is not and does not aspire to be part of any bloc politics. Our priority is to stabilise our economy and ensure our security,” he concluded.