Pakistan has temporarily closed its Afghan border crossings, citing rising security threats along the frontier. The decision comes as Islamabad steps up efforts to protect its citizens while continuing diplomatic engagement with Kabul.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, during his weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Friday, said the step was taken “in view of last week’s security situation,” adding that “saving the lives of ordinary Pakistanis is more important than the movement of goods and trade.”
While acknowledging that the closures may disrupt cross-border trade, Andrabi emphasized that national security and citizen safety remain the government’s foremost priorities.
The spokesperson confirmed that the second round of Pakistan Afghanistan peace talks will be held in Istanbul, Turkiye, on Saturday. The meeting aims to build on the ceasefire agreement signed in Doha on October 19 — a deal seen as a positive turning point in bilateral relations.
Andrabi praised Qatar’s mediation in the earlier Doha discussions, calling it “commendable,” and said Islamabad remains hopeful that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan.
He added that both sides will work toward establishing a verifiable monitoring mechanism in Istanbul to address Pakistan’s security concerns and prevent future cross-border attacks.
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Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance as a responsible regional actor, Andrabi urged the Afghan Taliban government to uphold its Doha peace commitments and take “verifiable action” against terrorist groups such as the TTP and BLA.
He stressed that Pakistan expects Kabul to cooperate in ensuring that Afghan soil is not used for militant activities threatening Pakistani citizens.
The Foreign Office welcomed the recently signed Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Agreement in Doha, describing it as the “first meaningful step” toward sustainable regional stability.
“Pakistan has always been and will remain a supporter of peace,” Andrabi said, expressing hope that the Afghan interim authorities would act responsibly and strengthen mutual trust through continued dialogue and cooperation.
Turning to the Middle East, Andrabi criticized Israel’s ongoing violations of international law in Gaza, saying Pakistan will “continue to raise its voice at global forums.” He reminded reporters that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued four rulings since January 2024, urging Israel not to block humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the OIC’s joint statement condemning Israel’s annexation efforts in occupied Palestine and reiterated that establishing a sovereign Palestinian state remains the only viable path to lasting peace.
Responding to a question about Afghanistan’s objections over dams, the spokesperson clarified that Pakistan would fully respect international laws related to the Kunar River. He said such disputes should be handled diplomatically and through mutual understanding — in line with the spirit of regional cooperation.
