Pakistan does not seek further escalation with Afghanistan and expects the neighbouring country to ensure that its territory is not used for hostile activities against Pakistan, the Foreign Office said on Friday.During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan participated in recent bilateral talks constructively and positively, without compromising on its core national stance. The FO spokesperson reiterated that Afghanistan must take concrete steps to prevent the use of its territory for terrorism against Pakistan, pointing out that cross-border attacks have increased despite repeated assurances from the Afghan Taliban government. Tahir Andrabi emphasised that Pakistan has consistently supported a peaceful, prosperous, and regionally connected Afghanistan, noting that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has undertaken three visits to Kabul in pursuit of better ties. FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan has been urging the Afghan Taliban for the past four years to act against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. He confirmed that the second round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks concluded in Istanbul a day earlier, with Türkiye and Qatar playing key roles in facilitating dialogue. The spokesperson appreciated their mediation and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s government and armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any form of aggression. Turning to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s foreign engagements, Andrabi said the Prime Minister recently visited Saudi Arabia from October 27 to 29 at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and senior cabinet members. During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz attended the Future Investment Initiative and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders agreed to convene the next session of the Saudi–Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council. The Prime Minister also met World Economic Forum President Børge Brende in Riyadh, who invited him to participate in the WEF annual meeting in January. The spokesperson concluded by reiterating that Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy but will continue to safeguard its sovereignty and national security under all circumstances.
Afghan Taliban Talks on November 6 Likely to Have Positive Outcome: Foreign Office
