Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that diplomatic channels with Afghanistan remain active and contacts between the two neighbours are ongoing, despite recent strains in bilateral relations over cross-border security issues.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have been tense, with Pakistan repeatedly raising concerns about terrorism originating from Afghan territory. The Foreign Office has called on Afghan authorities to take verifiable steps to dismantle militant networks and prevent the use of Afghan soil for attacks against Pakistan.
In October 2025, Pakistan closed several key border crossings following one of the deadliest military escalations in recent years. Although a ceasefire was declared on October 19, cross-border trade has yet to resume.
During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stressed that Pakistan does not interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. However, he said incidents of terrorism emanating from across the border remain Pakistan’s primary concern. “Our demand is that Afghan territory should not be used against Pakistan,” he said.
Andrabi emphasised that progress depends on concrete commitments from Kabul. “We need written, verifiable and practical assurances from Afghan authorities. Without these, the issue of terrorism cannot be resolved,” he said, adding that addressing the security issue would significantly improve bilateral relations. He noted that aside from terrorism, Pakistan and Afghanistan have no major bilateral disputes.
The spokesperson also highlighted Afghanistan’s potential role in the region, saying the country could become a regional hub if stability is ensured. Ending terrorism, he added, would also be in Afghanistan’s own interest.
Separately, Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Afghan border posts had attacked Pakistani positions earlier this week, prompting a strong response.
He described Afghanistan as a centre of terrorist activity in the region and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate militancy. Recalling the 2020 Doha agreement, he said assurances given by the Afghan Taliban to prevent terrorism had yet to be fulfilled.
