ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has once again made it clear that the Pak-Afghan border will remain closed until the Afghan government provides firm guarantees to prevent cross-border terrorist infiltration.
During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hassan Andarabi said the issue is not limited to TTP or TTA alone, as Afghan nationals have also been involved in serious crimes inside Pakistan. He stressed that the border closure must be viewed in the context of security concerns.
He clarified that Pakistan has no dispute with the Afghan people, describing them as “brothers and sisters”, but added that the restrictions are purely security-driven.
“Pakistan has always facilitated humanitarian corridors for Afghan citizens,” Andarabi said, adding that border policy is directly linked to effective cooperation from Kabul to eliminate terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. “Unless Afghanistan ensures that terrorists and violent elements will not enter Pakistan, the border will remain closed,” he maintained.
Responding to a question regarding reports of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson acknowledged awareness of the matter but noted uncertainties surrounding the development.
He said the Turkish President had earlier announced the arrival of a high-level Turkish delegation to Islamabad, but its delay could be due to scheduling or lack of cooperation from the Afghan side. “We closed the border for safeguarding our people. We do not want Pakistanis to fall victim to terrorism,” he added.
Commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, the spokesperson said it is a bilateral matter between two sovereign states, and Pakistan has no specific position regarding potential defence agreements between them.
He expressed concern over India’s discriminatory policies against Muslims, saying state patronage has emboldened extremist elements. With the 33rd anniversary of Babri Mosque demolition observed tomorrow, Andarabi stressed the need for transparent accountability for actions resulting in harm to Muslim religious heritage. “Desecration of any sacred site is a violation of the principles of religious equality,” he stated.
