Karoblis Backs Pakistan’s Security Concerns
ISLAMABAD: The European Union’s newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, has expressed support for Islamabad’s stance that Afghan-based militants are responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan. Speaking to The News, Karoblis described Pakistan’s demand for the Taliban to stop the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from operating on Afghan soil as “legitimate” and rooted in genuine security threats.
“We condemn terrorism in every form,” the EU envoy noted, adding that Pakistan’s expectations from Afghanistan regarding TTP action are justified. He stressed, however, that Islamabad should align its security goals with credible progress on human rights and democratic norms.
Diplomatic Channels and Strategic Dialogue
Karoblis urged Pakistan to maintain diplomatic engagement, highlighting Turkiye’s ongoing mediation between Islamabad and the Taliban. Asked whether the Taliban were honouring their Doha pledge not to allow Afghan territory to be used against neighbouring states, he said independent assessment was difficult, noting, “It is too early for a definitive conclusion.”
The ambassador confirmed that a high-level Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue is scheduled in the coming weeks, led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions will cover Afghanistan, regional security, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Pakistan’s role at the United Nations. Issues such as trade, migration, and counterterrorism will be addressed in separate forums.
The dialogue takes place as Pakistan works to retain its preferential trade benefits under the EU’s GSP Plus programme, which offers duty-free access to European markets in exchange for adherence to international human rights treaties. Karoblis’ remarks reinforce the EU’s support for Pakistan’s security concerns while emphasising the importance of balanced diplomatic and human rights engagement.
