Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Set for November 6, Hopes for Positive Results

Islamabad, Oct 31 (PTI) – Pakistan announced on Friday that the next round of discussions with Afghanistan is scheduled for November 6, expressing optimism for a "positive outcome" from these talks. During his weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized that Pakistan does not aim to heighten tensions with its neighbor. "Pakistan will continue its participation in the mediation process and hopes for a favorable result from the November 6 dialogue," he stated. This upcoming meeting was planned following Pakistan and Afghanistan's agreement to uphold a ceasefire, initially reached after a minor conflict earlier this month. The first set of negotiations took place in Doha on October 18 and 19, with a subsequent round in Istanbul on October 25. Although these discussions extended for several days, they concluded without resolving the major concern regarding cross-border terrorism. However, diplomatic efforts persisted behind the scenes, with Turkiye assisting in overcoming the deadlock, setting the stage for the November 6 discussions. Contrary to earlier reports stating that the Istanbul discussions ended on Tuesday, Andrabi clarified that talks involving Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, with mediators present, concluded on Thursday evening in Istanbul. "Pakistan's interaction with the Taliban regime is positive, yet firm on the stance that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan," Andrabi remarked. He stressed that Pakistan is against further hostilities but "expects the Afghan Taliban regime to adhere to its international commitments and address Pakistan’s valid security concerns through concrete and verifiable actions against terrorist organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)." The spokesperson noted that for over four years, Pakistan has urged the Afghan Taliban to implement "decisive and effective measures" against terror groups operating from Afghan territories. He also warned of a strong Pakistani response if provocations persist. Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed claims by the Afghan Taliban that TTP militants are merely "Pakistani refugees" returning from Afghanistan. He questioned, "how could these so-called refugees return while armed with heavy weaponry, avoiding main roads by using remote mountainous paths?" This line of reasoning, he contended, unveils Afghanistan’s insincerity and questionable intentions. Asif told Geo TV that normalization of relations with Afghanistan is improbable unless Kabul ceases its support for the TTP. He added that trust in the Afghan side is difficult without solid assurances against cross-border aggression. The Defence Minister acknowledged that while he would not blame the entire Afghan government, there are individuals within its ranks supporting these groups. PTI SH ZH ZH.

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