Islamabad Calls on Kabul to Crack Down on Terror Groups

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday called on Afghan authorities to take concrete action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, stressing that Islamabad does not seek escalation but will respond resolutely to any provocation.

Speaking at his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesman Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan expects the Afghan Taliban regime to act against entities such as Fitna al-Khwaraj and Fitna al-Hindustan. “Pakistan has consistently called for practical steps to ensure Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan,” he said, emphasizing Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace and stability.

Ambassador Andrabi also briefed the media on the second round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks held in Istanbul from October 25–29. Originally scheduled for two days, the talks were extended to four, reflecting both sides’ pursuit of an amicable resolution. Pakistan participated in good faith, with Qatar and Türkiye playing key mediating roles. The next round of talks is scheduled for November 6.

The spokesperson then highlighted Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s high-level visit to Riyadh (Oct 27–29) to attend the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum. Meetings with Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, resulted in the Pakistan–Saudi Economic Cooperation Framework, aimed at collaboration in energy, mining, IT, tourism, agriculture, and food security, marking a new phase of strategic partnership.

Preparations are also underway for the next Saudi–Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council, with agreements on electricity interconnection and energy cooperation being finalized. The prime minister was additionally invited to the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2026 by World Economic Forum President Børge Brende.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held bilateral talks in Riyadh with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, discussing regional issues including Gaza, and inaugurated an upgraded Consular Hall and One-Window MRP Service at the Pakistan Embassy for overseas Pakistanis. He also spoke with counterparts from Canada, Algeria, and Türkiye, focusing on trade, investment, agricultural cooperation, and developments in Gaza.

On the Middle East, Ambassador Andrabi condemned Israel’s violations of the Gaza ceasefire, describing them as a “flagrant breach of international law,” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a viable Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

He further highlighted the Pakistan–EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, reviewing progress on migration management and labor mobility, with the next round scheduled in Brussels.

Marking 78 years of Indian occupation in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan observed Kashmir Black Day on October 27, reiterating its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and condemning ongoing human rights abuses.

Ambassador Andrabi also expressed solidarity with Türkiye following the Oct 28 earthquake and offered condolences on the passing of Queen Sirikit of Thailand, praising her humanitarian contributions.

Concluding the briefing, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s foreign policy commitment to peace, mutual respect, and constructive engagement, emphasizing that while Pakistan seeks cooperation with all neighbors, it will safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizen safety.