Ongoing Negotiations Between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban
The Foreign Office has confirmed that Pakistan is currently engaged in negotiations with the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul. The government has urged the public and media to disregard unverified claims circulating on social media platforms.
During a weekly press briefing on Friday, the Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi emphasized that Pakistan’s position remains unchanged: Afghan territory must not be used for terrorist activities against any country. He noted that Islamabad has presented evidence-based demands to mediators, which are being discussed in detail with the Taliban representatives.
‘The mediators have fully supported Pakistan’s stance, and the dialogue process is progressing constructively,’ Andarabi remarked, rejecting speculative reports about the talks.
Broader Diplomatic Priorities
Highlighting Pakistan’s broader diplomatic priorities, the spokesperson reaffirmed that Islamabad will not tolerate any breach of the Indus Waters Treaty. He called water security essential to national stability. Additionally, he condemned Israel’s repeated violations of the Gaza ceasefire and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Gaza Peace Initiative aimed at achieving a durable peace in the region.
Andarabi further stated that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to face Indian state-sponsored repression. He mentioned that President Asif Ali Zardari recently addressed the Doha Conference, reiterating Pakistan’s firm stance on the Kashmir issue while engaging with several global leaders.
Current Political Engagements
The spokesperson added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently in Azerbaijan to attend the fifth anniversary of the country’s Victory Day in Baku. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Istanbul on November 3, where he discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues amid the ongoing Pakistan-Afghan Taliban talks.
Key Points from the Press Briefing
- The Foreign Office has confirmed ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul.
- The government advises the public to ignore unverified claims on social media.
- Pakistan’s position remains clear: no use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against any country.
- Evidence-based demands have been presented to mediators, and discussions are progressing.
- Mediators have supported Pakistan’s stance in the dialogue process.
- Water security is considered essential to national stability.
- Pakistan condemns Israel’s violations of the Gaza ceasefire.
- The country supports the Gaza Peace Initiative for a durable peace in the region.
- The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to face repression.
- President Asif Ali Zardari addressed the Doha Conference, reinforcing Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in Azerbaijan for the Victory Day celebrations.
- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Istanbul to discuss bilateral and regional issues.