The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday refrained from directly commenting on reports of Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan but reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to protecting its citizens through intelligence-based counterterrorism operations along the border, according to reports. In his weekly briefing, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said, “Pakistan remains firmly committed to the security and well-being of its people. Our security and law enforcement agencies conduct targeted operations in border areas to protect citizens from terrorist threats, particularly from groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These operations are meticulously planned and executed based on credible and actionable intelligence.” He added that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and remains committed to dialogue and cooperation with Kabul to address shared challenges of terrorism. “Pakistan has consistently prioritized diplomacy, even in the face of persistent threats from terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan. We urge Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks against Pakistan,” he said. “Groups like the TTP pose a common threat to regional peace and stability, requiring collective action to counter their harmful influence,” the spokesperson added. Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized that Pakistan is dedicated to addressing these challenges through dialogue and constructive engagement, as both countries share a mutual interest in combating terrorism and restoring stability. He underscored that Afghanistan should reclaim its sovereignty and security, and terrorist groups like the TTP must be robustly countered. He also stressed that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains a consistent focus of discussions at all levels with Kabul officials, and Pakistan has clearly and firmly articulated its position. To a query on the ongoing visit of the Afghan interim foreign minister to India, the spokesperson did not express any concern except to say that it has always been Pakistan’s position that Afghanistan’s bilateral relations with any other country remain that it is a matter between those two countries. Afghanistan is a sovereign, independent country, and Pakistan did not have any particular comment to offer on it. “We follow the regional developments, and our request to Afghanistan, while respecting their sovereign right to pursue the foreign policy they desire for their country, has been that the Afghan territory should not be allowed to be used against Pakistan,” said the spokesperson. Regarding a possible visit by the Afghan interim foreign minister to Pakistan since he travelled to Moscow and New Delhi after the UN sanctions were lifted, the spokesperson said: “Foreign minister/deputy prime minister has visited Afghanistan. So, in the fullness of time, we hope that the visit should take place”. Asked if Pakistan was disappointed that President Donald Trump had missed getting the Nobel Peace Prize announced on Friday, he responded: “We made a decision to nominate President Donald Trump for Noble Peace Prize keeping in view the clear and very important and positive role played by the United States in the de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India in May, leading to the ceasefire. It is unambiguous, and it is clear for everyone to see, except for those who do not want to see. So based on that, we feel President Trump played a very important role, and that is why we nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. So, what happens after that, I am not in a position to comment on it”. On reports that Pakistan had offered the US to build a seaport at Pasni, the spokesperson’s remarks were the first on the record so far. “First of all, various commercial proposals remain under discussion, and it is not an official thing for us to comment on as no official position or initiative has been taken by the government of Pakistan. Our efforts in pursuing positive relations with the United States are based on mutual respect.” “Pakistan is not and does not wish to be part of any bloc politics. Our priority is to stabilise our economy and ensure our security,” he emphasised.
Pakistan carries out border operations to ensure citizen safety: FO
