ISLAMABAD: Reiterating its firm position, Pakistan has once again made it clear that the border with Afghanistan will remain closed until the Afghan government provides solid assurances that terrorists will be prevented from infiltrating into Pakistan.
During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that the issue is not limited to the TTP or the TTA; Afghan nationals have also been involved in serious crimes inside Pakistan.
Therefore, the decision to close the border must be understood in this context.
He emphasized that Pakistan has no dispute with the people of Afghanistan, who are considered brothers and sisters.
The border closure is solely due to security concerns. Pakistan has always supported humanitarian access for the Afghan people, he added.
The border policy is directly linked to Afghanistan’s practical cooperation in preventing terrorism from spilling into Pakistan.
Unless Kabul gives a concrete guarantee that terrorists and violent elements will not cross into Pakistan, the border will remain shut.
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan is aware of media reports regarding Pak-Afghan negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
Tahir Hussain Andrabi further explained that two weeks ago, the Turkish president had announced the visit of a high-ranking Turkish delegation to Islamabad.
Their absence may be due to scheduling issues or the Afghan Taliban’s lack of cooperation.
He stressed that closing the border with Afghanistan was a necessary step for Pakistan’s security, adding that Pakistan does not want its citizens to fall victim to terrorism.
Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, the spokesperson said it is a bilateral matter between two sovereign states.
Pakistan has no specific position on potential India–Russia defense agreements, as every state is free to expand its bilateral relations.
He expressed concern over the Indian government’s discriminatory policies against Muslims, stating that state-backed actions have emboldened extremist groups.
He noted that tomorrow marks the 33rd anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Mosque ,an incident that continues to cause pain and concern.
He stressed that any act that harms Muslim religious symbols and historical heritage must be transparently investigated.
Desecration of any sacred site is a violation of the principles of religious equality.
