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Pakistan-Afghanistan relations under Taliban regime in Kabul

Islamabad urges Kabul to address bilateral concerns

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Wednesday urged Afghanistan’s Taliban administration to address pressing issues in bilateral ties for fully realising the potential of the two countries’ relationship.

The call came during a meeting on Wednesday with Haji Mullah Shirin, the governor of Kandahar and deputy head of military intelligence and strategy in the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.

Mr Jilani, during the conversation, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining engagement and nurturing mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan. He emphasised the importance of addressing all contentious issues to enhance trade and connectivity between the two nations.

Mullah Shirin’s visit is viewed as critically important due to his high-ranking position within the Taliban and his close ties with the top leadership.

The meeting holds added significance against the backdrop of strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, primarily due to the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghanistan, which have been the source of attacks on Pakistani soil.

Accompanied by representatives from various Afghan government agencies, including the Ministry of Defence and the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), Mullah Shirin’s delegation engaged in discussions focusing on key mutual concerns.

These included peace and security, and people-to-people contacts, as per a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

The Afghan delegation, led by Mullah Shirin, also participated in the 6th session of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee (JCC). The JCC meeting explored coordination mechanisms to facilitate cross-border movement, aiming to promote people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

According to the Afghan Islamic Press news service, Mullah Shirin, as deputy defence minister, previously headed a commission formed to discuss border control and violations with neighbouring countries.

This commission has engaged in discussions with Iran, Turkmenistan, and others, with Mullah Shirin’s current visit being a continuation of these diplomatic efforts.
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Islamabad urges Kabul to address bilateral concerns

The visit of Kandahar Governor Haji Mullah Shirin is viewed as critically important due to his high-ranking position within the Taliban.
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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will leave for Kabul tomorrow (Sunday) at the invitation of the Taliban government, ARY News reported on Saturday.

During his visit to Kabul, Pakistan-Afghanistan matters and others issues will come under discussion.

It should be remembered that the representative of the Taliban government and Afghan envoy in Islamabad had officially invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman a few days ago to come to Afghanistan on behalf of his government.

Relations between the Taliban government and Pakistan have seen a rapid deterioration after an increase in terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is pertinent to mention here that repatriation of illegal foreign nationals including Afghans to their homeland is continued in a dignified and safe manner.

1634 illegal Afghan nationals returned to their country yesterday. So far, 435,152 illegal Afghans have been repatriated to Afghanistan.

The apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) in a meeting on October 3, chaired by Caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar gave a deadline to all foreign nationals living illegally in the country until October 31 to leave voluntarily or face deportation.

Source: ARY

arynews.tv

Fazl to leave for Kabul tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will leave for Kabul tomorrow (Sunday) at the invitation of the Taliban
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Fazlur Rehman is the father of current Taliban regime members in Afghanistan. Fazlur Rehman is also an alarming threat to Pakistan as well.
 
Kabul upbeat as Fazl meets Taliban officials

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F), reached Kabul on Sunday on a visit being seen as part of efforts by the Afghan Taliban government to convince Pakistan that it was not supporting the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been simmering for months over Kabul’s failure to stop the TTP-sponsored attacks from across the border. Islamabad virtually severed high-level contacts with Kabul before Taliban regime sent a senior aide of Taliban supreme leader to defuse tensions.

Mullah Shirin, the governor of Kandahar and deputy head of military and intelligence of Afghan Taliban government, visited Islamabad last week and held crucial talks with Pakistani authorities. Now, the JUI-F chief is in Kabul.

A Foreign Office official said that the visit of Maulana Fazl was in a private capacity. The official added that the visit was being closely followed and the authorities would assess what would transpire from the visit.

On the opening day of his trip, Fazl met with Maulavi Kabir, the Vice President of Afghan Taliban government, according to the JUI-F spokesperson. The meeting was also attended by Afghan Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and other Taliban officials.

According to the spokesperson, Muttaqi was upbeat about the positive impact of Fazl’s visit. Taliban officials said they would brief one of Pakistan’s prominent political and religious figures about the steps Kabul had taken to stop cross-border terrorism.

Many Afghan Taliban members including those who are in the government have studied from seminaries run by the JUI-F. Observers believe that Pakistan may use the influence of the JUI-F chief to sort out the issue of TTP.

JUI-F Sources said a meeting with the TTP representatives during Fazl’s visit was not on the agenda. The JUI-F chief had previously visited Qatar to meet Afghan Taliban leaders when the US was trying to negotiate a peace deal.

Pakistan has been seeking a decisive action against the TTP and its affiliates. But the Afghan Taliban are reluctant to use force and instead are still keen that Pakistan pursue the option of talks. Islamabad, nevertheless, insists that talks are no more an option.

Pakistan’s stance stems from the fact that previous round of peace talks only emboldened the TTP. Pakistan also found some of the TTP demands unconstitutional. Observers believe that it remains to be seen if the Afghan Taliban come up with any new idea to tackle the TTP during the visit of JUI-F chief.

According to Afghanistan’s Tolonews, acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi said after the meeting that they would discuss with the JUI-F delegation the issues of interest to both sides, including economic and security issues. He hoped that the delegation would help solve the existing bilateral problems.

"As far as we know, the arrival of the delegation may have some message from the other side, and they will share it with the elders here, and from this side, they will share what they hear and see," Muttaqi was quoted by Tolonews as saying.



Source: Tribune
 
FearlessRoar said:
Fazlur Rehman is the father of current Taliban regime members in Afghanistan. Fazlur Rehman is also an alarming threat to Pakistan as well.
Click to expand...
He might be there to request them to create some disturbances in Pakistan so that elections could be delayed
 
Afghan PM meets JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman, says Kabul ‘does not intend to harm Pakistan’

Afghanistan Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund on Monday told Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman that Kabul “did not intend to harm” Pakistan or any other country.

The Afghan premier passed these remarks during a meeting with an 11-member delegation led by Fazl, who arrived in Kabul a day earlier on the Afghan interim government’s invitation. The trip is the JUI-F’s first visit to the neighbouring country since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

A statement issued by the Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid today quoted Mullah Hasan as saying that the “Islamic Emirate will not allow anyone to pose a threat to any country”.

The Afghan PM described the role of religious scholars as very important to resolve problems and remove misunderstandings between Islamabad and Kabul, it said.

The Taliban leader also called for a halt to what he called Pakistan authorities’ “brutal” policy against Afghan refugees. “Such kind of behaviour does not solve the problems but leads to mistrust,” the statement quoted Mullah Hasan as saying.

Meanwhile, Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi — who also attended the meeting — mentioned “the problems of Afghan traders” and the issues created by Pakistani officials in transit trade and exports.

Muttaqi was quoted as saying that “trade and bilateral economic issues should not be sacrificed for political purposes”.

The statement said Fazl described the “victory of the Islamic Emirate against the invasion as a major success and congratulated the people of Afghanistan”.

The JUI-F chief also hoped that the Islamic system in Afghanistan would be further strengthened, which would have a positive impact on the Islamic world.

“The purpose of my visit is to remove misunderstandings between the two countries,” Fazl was quoted as saying. Further, both sides called for joint efforts to find solutions to the persisting problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Separately, a statement issued by the JUI-F media cell after the meeting said Fazl stressed on finding ways of cooperation between the two countries in politics, economy, trade and mutual development.

He also maintained that the JUI-F had raised its voice in protest against the deportation of Afghan nationals. “We consider this kind of behaviour wrong and a cause of problems between the two countries,” the statement quoted Fazl as saying.
The meeting between the JUI-F chief and Afghan leaders comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have suffered due to a spike in terrorist attacks, mostly claimed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban.

Earlier today, five cops were martyred and 27 people were injured in a blast near a police van in the Mamund tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district. The attack was claimed by the TTP.

Islamabad has stated that the TTP and other groups use Afghan soil against Pakistan. While the Afghan Taliban have denied the charge, authorities remain unconvinced and have demanded action against the TTP, its sanctuaries, and the handover of its leaders.

The ties between the two neighbours took a further hit when Pakistan started deporting illegal Afghans. Nearly half a million undocumented Afghans have so far left Pakistan since November 1, last year.

On Sunday, Afghanistan Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir welcomed the visiting delegation, headed by Fazl, and hoped that the visit would help decrease misunderstandings between the two countries.

A statement issued by the office of the Afghan deputy PM thanked Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees and supporting Afghans during the fight against the erstwhile Soviet Union.

“The Islamic Emirate desires good relations with all neighbouring countries especially Pakistan, based on mutual respect,” the statement quoted Maulvi Kabir as saying.

He assured the delegation that there would be no threat to anyone from the Afghan soil. “There should be discussions on realities instead of claims and propaganda in the media,” the Taliban leader said.

He also demanded an end to the mistreatment and forced deportation of Afghan refugees. Maulvi Kabir further hoped that Fazl would convey Afghanistan’s message to Pakistan that the former desired peace and stability in the region and would not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against anyone.

Separately, the statement quoted the JUI-F chief as saying that differences should be resolved through dialogue. “We should cooperate with each other and both countries must take advantage of commonalities,” Fazl added.

Source: Dawn

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Afghan PM meets JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman, says Kabul ‘does not intend to harm Pakistan’

Mullah Hasan Akhund calls for halting Pakistan's "brutal" policy against Afghan refugees; Fazl urges cooperation between two countries.
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90% of these Afghan Taliban are students of Fazlur Rehman's madrasas. The way his madrasas have produced these radicals, and now they are ruling Afghanistan. This man, Fazlur Rehman, is also a threat to Pakistan.
 
Border dispute strands thousands of trucks at Torkham crossing

Thousands of trucks were stranded at the busiest frontier crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Monday, Afghan officials said, days after border points were closed to trade in the latest row over document rules for commercial vehicle drivers.

The Torkham crossing was closed to trade vehicles on Friday night, border officials said, with around 3,000 trucks stranded on both sides of the border as of Monday, the co-chairman of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khan Jan Alakozai, told AFP.

This "has not only inflicted losses on traders from both countries but has also resulted in an increase in market prices, as most of the cargo consists of food items that will perish if the crossing remains closed", he said.

Both sides blamed the other for the latest shutdown at the Torkham crossing, which was extended to other border points since Friday.

The dispute centred on demands for drivers from either side to have visas and passports, a document many Afghans do not have.

A long line of trucks piled high with goods snaked down the road from Torkham on Monday afternoon, an AFP photographer saw.

A Pakistan customs official said on Monday that some 450 trucks were stranded on the Pakistani side of the Torkham crossing, with 600 more forced to stop along the road to the border.

Talks were underway between Islamabad and Kabul to resolve the issue, according to officials on both sides.

There was no breakthrough as of Monday night, Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesman for the Afghanistan Ministry of Industry and Commerce, told AFP.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have had increasingly fraught relations in recent months, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban government of failing to root out terrorists staging attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil.

The Torkham and Spin Boldak-Chaman crossings were frequently shut last year, with tensions sometimes spilling over into armed clashes between border guards across the frontier.



Source: Tribune
 
Pak-Afghan border at Torkham set to reopen

The Pak-Afghan border at Torkham is set to reopen with relaxed travel document requirements starting Tuesday (today) until March 31, 2024.

This decision comes after a delegation of Afghan transporters and Chamber of Commerce representatives met with Pakistani trade officials at the embassy in Kabul and requested the reopening of the Torkham border for the second time in as many days.

Initially, Pakistan had introduced new visa and passport requirements for drivers and their assistants, which Afghanistan rejected, leading to a disagreement between the two sides and the subsequent closure of trade.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and chamber of commerce delegation engaged in discussions with Pakistani embassy staff to seek relaxation in visa requirements, citing the impact on trade.

Pakistan has now accepted the request from Afghanistan and granted a relaxation until the end of March for drivers.

The closure of trade routes had resulted in thousands of vehicles being stranded, carrying items such as vegetables, onions, fruits from Iran and Central Asia, as well as coals. During the closure, Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan remained at zero, a customs official told The Express Tribune.

Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has indicated that an agreement is near, and the public can expect positive news soon.

Officials stated that currently, various border crossings, including Chaman, Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Angur Ada, and Kharlachi, are closed, causing a significant daily loss estimated at Rs680 million for both sides.

The closure has persisted for ten days, impacting trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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tribune.com.pk

Pak-Afghan border at Torkham set to reopen | The Express Tribune

Pakistan to relax travel document requirements starting tomorrow until March 31, 2024
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Trade resumes as Torkham crossing reopens

KHYBER: Excitement and jubilation by the exhausted transporters marked the resumption of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan via the Torkham border on Tuesday as Pakistan announced a relaxation in visa conditions for Afghan transporters till end of March.

Local custom clearing agents told Dawn that preference was given to vehicles loaded with perishable items which included oranges and potatoes from Pakistan side and onion from Afghan side.

They said that these vehicles were provided a separate lane to avoid traffic congestion at the border crossing point.

Vehicles loaded with other export and import items too were allowed to move on both sides of the border as drivers and their assistants jostled their way to their vehicles in order to secure a place in the exit route to Afghanistan after getting clearance from custom authorities.

Sources said that about 55 vehicles loaded with Afghan transit goods too had made it to the Zero point after the official announcement about resumption of trade activities at Torkham after ten days of closure.

Rough estimates shared by local traders and transporters said that around 350 to 400 loaded vehicles carrying multiple trade goods had crossed the border from both sides till Tuesday evening while they expected the border to remain open till late in the night in order to clear the back log of the stranded vehicles as soon as possible.

Custom officials posted at Torkham also acknowledged the opening of border at night and assured that every possible facility would be provided to the custom clearing agents and transporters for speedy clearance of their merchandise.

They said that 170 vehicles with import items from Afghanistan were allowed to enter Pakistan while over two hundred export vehicles had crossed to Afghanistan.

The bilateral trade was abruptly suspended on January 13 when Pakistan announced ban on entry of Afghan transporters to Pakistan without valid visa. A similar ban was also slapped on Pakistani drivers by the Afghan authorities a day after the implementation of visa restrictions by Pakistan.

Majority of the Afghan transporters had complained about difficulties in obtaining their national passports on time while also facing problems in stamping visa for Pakistan on their passports at Kabul and Jalalabad.

They had been demanding relaxation in provision of visa for Pakistan along with maximum time for acquisition of new passports or renewal of the older ones as they said that Kabul was faced with shortage of passport printing material for last few months and thus their requests were delayed by long periods.

Pakistan announced on Tuesday morning that a relaxation was given to all the Afghans to get their passports till March 31 after which none of them would be allowed to enter Pakistan without legal travel documents.
​
www.dawn.com

Trade resumes as Torkham crossing reopens

Official says preference given to vehicles loaded with perishable items.
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Islamabad asks Kabul to extradite TTP leaders

Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its demand for Afghanistan to extradite the leaders of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a designated terrorist group, while underscoring the need for bringing to justice those responsible for terrorism and maintaining regional security.

“We urge Afghanistan to take immediate and effective action against these terrorist entities, hand over their leadership to Pakistan, and those individuals who have been involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at the weekly media briefing.

Her comments came in the backdrop of the thirty-third report submitted to the United Nations Security Council Committee by the militant Islamic State (IS) group and Al Qaeda/Taliban Monitoring Team, which showed that besides the patronage of Taliban administration, Afghanistan-based TTP enjoys the backing of Al Qaeda and also has links with East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Majeed Brigade.

“We have shared concrete evidence with regards to their involvement with Afghan authorities,” the spokesperson said and added that Pakistan government was “very concerned” that TTP is given a free hand to attack Pakistan, and to sponsor terrorist activities inside Pakistan.

Ms Baloch, meanwhile, emphasised that Pakistan-Afghanistan border is an internationally recognised and legally valid reality.

Her statement came in response to remarks by Noorullah Noori, the acting Taliban Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, who referred to the Durand Line as an “imaginary line” and contested the clarity of the border between the two countries. The Durand Line has long been a subject of contention, with Afghanistan historically disputing its legitimacy as a border.

The FO spokesperson stressed the non-negotiable status of the border’s validity, stating that it has “never been on the agenda between Pakistan and Afghanistan and will never be.”

Playing down Indian allegations of terrorism against Pakistan, she said, those were “neither new nor credible”. She further observed that Delhi recklessly levels terrorism charges against others and does not even spare individuals supporting opposing teams in cricket matches.

However, she reminded that the allegation levelled by Pakistan last week that India was involved in assassinations in Pakistan has not been denied by Delhi. “In our statement made by the Foreign Secretary, we provided credible evidence of India’s involvement in extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings in Pakistan,” Ms Baloch maintained.

“The reality is that India is involved in terrorist incidents inside Pakistan and it has been involved in such terrorist incidents and extra-judicial killings and extra-territorial killings in countries around the world. And it is not just Pakistan which has made these claims. These claims are now coming from other countries with frequency,” she added.

Negating the impression that the cypher episode, involving former prime minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in which both had been sentenced to 10 years in prison, compromised the entire cypher security system of the state and secret communication, the spokesperson said that the communication system remains secure.

“We have recently done an audit of our communication systems and we are reassured that these systems as per our recent audit are safe and protected,” she said.
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SOURCE: https://www.dawn.com/news/1810542/islamabad-asks-kabul-to-extradite-ttp-leaders
 
Special passes for Afg-Pak cargo transport

Coordinator Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, has suggested issuing special passes to truck drivers transporting cargo goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In a press statement released on Friday, Sarhadi said the suggestion is based on streamlining and smoothing of Pak-Afghan trade which recently halted for ten days over conditions of visas by truck drivers. Around 1000 truck drivers will be issued special passes instead of visas for carrying their goods with ease between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he added. He stressed that these trucks should be registered with Customs and Transport Departments in Pakistan and Transport and Gumrak in Afghanistan. The owners of heavy vehicles should also be charged a nominal fee for issuance of special pass, he added.

Sarhadi noted that hundreds of trucks got stuck on both sides of the border and businessmen faced hefty losses due to rotting of perishable items. The importers and exporters of both countries also have to pay enormous amounts as detention charges at a rate of US dollars 120 to 180 per day. He highlighted that the issuance of special passes to trucks, allowing them to ply between Karachi to Mazhar Sharif, will help in easing the transportation of cargo goods and promotion of trade between the two neighbouring countries.

SOURCE: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455404/special-passes-for-afg-pak-cargo-transport
 
Govt asked to issue passes to Pak-Afghan truck drivers

The Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has suggested to the federal government that issuing special passes to truck drivers transporting goods between the two countries can resolve the concern of the security establishment.

The PAJCCI has written a letter to the caretaker prime minister and suggested that to streamline and maintain smooth Pak-Afghan trade several measures were essential.

The movement of goods has been suspended for almost 10 days due to the condition that the truck drivers needed to have a valid visa.

The letter highlighted that around 1,000 truck drivers were regularly plying across the border and they could be issued special passes instead of visas after the security verification.

In a statement, PAJCCI coordinator Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi has said that these 1,000 drivers and their trucks should be registered with Pakistan Customs, as well as the relevant authorities in Afghanistan, while the owners of heavy vehicles should also be charged nominal fees for issuance of special passes.

The statement highlighted that Mr Sarhadi, who is also President of Frontier Custom Agents Association, said that hundreds of trucks were stuck up on both sides of the border and businessmen were faced huge losses due to rotting of perishable items.

At the same time, the importers and exporters both in Pakistan and Afghanistan also have to pay enormous detention charges at a rate of $120-180 per day. The PAJCCI has said that special passes for plying from Karachi to Mazar Sharif will smoothen the transportation of cargo goods.

SOURCE: https://www.dawn.com/news/1811514/govt-asked-to-issue-passes-to-pak-afghan-truck-drivers
 

Pakistan will attend a UN-sponsored crucial two-day conference being held in Doha from February 18 to 19 to discuss the roadmap for engagement with the Afghan Taliban government.

Ambassador Asif Durrani, Pakistan's Special Representative on Afghanistan, will lead the Pakistan delegation at the meeting of the special envoys on Afghanistan to be held in the Qatari capital, an official handout issued here on Friday by the foreign office said.

“The meeting is being convened by the UN Secretary-General to discuss approaches for international engagement with Afghanistan in a more coherent and structured manner,” the statement added.

It further said Pakistan's participation in the meeting was part of its efforts to actively engage with the international community, including the United Nations, to strengthen the efforts for lasting peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.

The conference, second in less than a year, is being hosted by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Special envoys from UN member states and international organisations will attend the conference and representatives from Afghan civil society, women’s groups and Taliban officials have also been invited.

The conference is a critical, high-level opportunity for donors and the region to chart next steps on how to improve the situation in Afghanistan and engage with the Taliban regime, according to the US Institute of Peace.

The conference will discuss the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crises and the recent report on a way forward by UN Special Coordinator for Afghanistan Feridun Sinirlioğlu.

The Afghan Taliban government has also been invited to the conference but its participation is not certain yet. The Taliban government wants to be treated as legitimate representatives of Afghanistan. Kabul also has reservations over the appointment of a UN special envoy on Afghanistan as recommended by a UN resolution passed a few weeks back.

Stephane Dujarric, the secretary-general’s spokesperson, said that the objective of the meeting is to discuss the international engagement approach with the Taliban since they reclaimed power.

“An important aspect of the event is the intention to provide the opportunity for the special envoys to meet collectively with Afghan stakeholders, including representatives of the de facto authorities and Afghan civil society participants, including women,” Dujarric told VOA.

A key agenda item for the conference is the potential appointment of a UN envoy who would coordinate increased international engagement with Taliban leaders in Kabul. The appointment, recommended in an independent UN assessment, is backed by the United States and its European allies.

China and Russia abstained from a December 2023 UN Security Council vote on a resolution authorising the secretary-general to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan.

However, the de facto Afghan authorities remain opposed to appointing a UN envoy to the country.

The conference comes at a crucial juncture when the international consensus seems to be breaking. China last month accepted the Taliban appointed ambassador in a move seen as tantamount to recognising the Kabul regime.

Beijing, however, has not yet clarified its stance. For Pakistan the conference is important given its troubled relationship with the Taliban government.

The Pakistani side will advocate engagement with the Taliban government but link any recognition with the Kabul administration fulfiling the international commitment, particularly denying terrorists a space to operate from the neighbouring country.

Source: Express Tribune

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan to attend crucial Afghan conference in Doha | The Express Tribune

Crucial two-day conference being held in Qatari capital from February 18 to 19
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
On November 16, 2023, Pakistan declared the end of the document regime for entry and exit on the Pak-Afghan border, after which local people began protesting.

Due to the protest, the border remained closed for almost 4 months, and many local workers became unemployed. Considering this issue, efforts from the government and the Pakistani army led to the melting of snow.

On February 17, empty vehicles and on February 27, cargo-carrying vehicles started crossing the border. With the revival of trade on the border, employment opportunities and a poverty reduction are expected for the local people.

Residents of Chaman city say that the Pak-Afghan border, which was closed for 5 months, has now been opened with the help of the government and the Pakistani army. The difficulties that existed for the past 5 months are expected to decrease now.

A city resident mentions that due to the efforts of the government, over 4,000 empty vehicles have been released. We are very grateful to the government and the Pakistani army. The decision to lift the border closure is positive for Pakistan and Balochistan. Business activities have resumed throughout the city.

ARY
 
Senior Taliban official expresses hope for cordial Pak-Afghan relations in meeting with envoy

A senior Afghan Taliban leader has expressed the hope that Pakistan’s new government will have cordial relations with Kabul, Afghan state media reported on Tuesday.

Kandahar Governor Mullah Muhammad Shirin Akhund received Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires (Cd’A) and head of mission in Kabul, Ubaid ur Rehman Nizamani, in Kandahar, the spiritual centre of the Afghan Taliban on Monday.

The Pakistani envoy travelled to Kandahar to meet with Mullah Shirin, a close confidant of the Taliban supreme leader, amid a tense relationship between the two uneasy neighbours.

This is the first time a senior and influential Taliban leader has spoken publicly about elections in Pakistan.

The Pakistani envoy also confirmed his meeting with the Kandahar governor when approached.


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Senior Taliban official expresses hope for cordial Pak-Afghan relations in meeting with envoy

Pakistani envoy Ubaid ur Rehman Nizamani meets Kandahar Governor Mullah Muhammad Shirin Akhund.
www.dawn.com
 

FM Dar, Muttaqi agree to foster fraternal ties between Pakistan, Afghanistan​

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday agreed to continue working together in building on fraternal bilateral relations.

“Expanding cooperation in connectivity, trade, security, counter-terrorism and people-to-people contacts is a top priority for Pakistan,” the foreign minister posted on X, after he received a congratulatory call from the Afghan minister.

A statement posted on X by the deputy spokesperson at the Afghan foreign ministry, Hafiz Zia Ahmad, said FM Muttaqi hoped that Dar’s assumption of office would have a “positive and constructive role in strengthening the relations” between the two neighbouring countries.

“The region is increasing its positive interactions day by day and the practical work of major infrastructure projects is starting at the regional level and we are expecting to take a constructive part in Pakistan,” the statement quoted the Afghan foreign minister as saying. He also invited Dar to visit Afghanistan.

The statement said that both sides emphasised bringing facilities for passengers, patients and commercial traffic on the Durand Line and eliminating existing problems.

The past week, Kandahar Governor Mullah Muhammad Shirin Akhund received Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires (Cd’A) and head of mission in Kabul, Ubaid ur Rehman Nizamani, in Kandahar, the spiritual centre of the Afghan Taliban on Monday.

The Pakistani envoy travelled to Kandahar to meet with Mullah Shirin, a close confidant of the Taliban supreme leader, amid a tense relationship between the two uneasy neighbours.

The senior Afghan Taliban leader had expressed the hope that Pakistan’s new government would have cordial relations with Kabul.

“We discussed matters of common interest and agreed to advance Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in all mutually beneficial areas,” Ambassador Nizamani had told Dawn.com.

Last week, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, had asked the United Nations Security Council to urge the Taliban rulers in Afghanistan to terminate their relationship with the banned militant Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan group.

At the same time, Ambassador Akram had said that the international community must help millions of destitute Afghans “through the provision of unconditional humanitarian assistance”.

Source: DAWN
 
Good relations with Afghanistan and all other neighbouring countries will surely help towards a stable and prosperous Pakistan.
 
Good relations indeed they have killed over 7 troops including High ranking officers .

This during month of ramadhan where violence is not even allowed and the pre pagan arabs would even be peaceful. Now kafir America has left wonder why these namak harams are still fighting who is their holy war against now against other Muslims who they view as Hindus.

I think it's high time mrls are bought to the border and tos flamethrowers are procured from Russia, alongwith drones and all hell is unleased on this namak haram kaum. This has nothing to do with islam these people are nothing but ethnofascist racists and it's high time they are called that.

How long are we going to tolerate them attacking our country and killing our people
 
At the end of the day we can never have true diplomatic relations with any Afghan government whether it be Karzai, Ghani or the Taliban until recognition of the Durand Line is established no matter how hard people like Faiz and his puppet Imran try.
 
Afghanistan's Taliban said on Monday that Pakistan carried out two air strikes in Afghan territory, killing five women and three children, with a spokesman condemning the strikes as a violation of sovereignty

The strikes came as the neighbours have traded blame over responsibility for recent militant attacks in Pakistan, which says they were launched from Afghan soil, although Afghanistan's ruling Taliban deny this.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory," Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Taliban administration, said in a statement.

The strikes killed five women and three children in the eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika, he added.

“Last night at around 3 am, Pakistani planes bombed the houses of civilians,” said the IEA spokesperson. He added that the bombings resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including three women and three children in Paktika, with an additional two women losing their lives due to the collapse of a house in Khost province.

The Paktika province is located near Pakistan’s South Waziristan district while Khost is situated near North Waziristan.

"The person named Abdullah Shah, who the Pakistani side claims was targeted in the incident, is in Pakistan, on the other hand, there is a tribe living on both sides of this region who have daily trips and close relationships," claimed Mujahid.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns these attacks and calls this reckless action a violation of Afghanistan's territory, said the Taliban spokesperson and warned that the interim government of Afghanistan, which has a "long experience of freedom struggle against the superpowers of the world", does not allow anyone to "invade its territory".

The spokesperson also urged the new government to stop the "continuation" of wrong policies which "benefit others" and spoil the relationship between the two nations.

Mujhahid warned of potentially dire consequences stemming from such incidents, cautioning that the repercussions could spiral beyond Pakistan's control, “Such incidents can have very bad consequences which will be out of Pakistan’s control," said the spokesperson.

The Taliban further stressed that the IEA "will not tolerate" any actions that jeopardize the safety of individuals within its borders.

The airstrikes occurred just one day after President Asif Ali Zardari pledged retaliation following the deaths of seven soldiers, including two officers, in a terrorist assault on a security forces' post in North Waziristan.

A lieutenant colonel and a captain were among seven soldiers martyred in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan's Mir Ali on Saturday.

As per the ISPR, troops foiled the initial attempt of intrusion into the army installation in the wee hours of the day however, a group of six terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into it, later carrying out multiple suicide bombings.

The attacks led to the collapse of a portion of a building, resulting in the martyrdom of five brave soldiers.

The martyred soldiers included Havildar Sabir, a resident of district Khyber; Naik Khurshid, a resident of district Lakki Marwat; Sepoy Nasir, a resident of Peshawar; Sepoy Raja, a resident of Kohat; and Sepoy Sajjad, a resident of Abbottabad.

During the ensuing clearance operation, the Pakistan army troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali, engaged and gunned down all the six terrorists. However, 39-year-old Lt Col Ali, a resident of Karachi, and 23-year-old Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar, a resident of Talagang, embraced martyrdom.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan targets TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan | The Express Tribune

FO says airstrikes hit Hafiz Gul Bahadur group
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
We Should remove the Taliban from the government from Afghanistan. The Taliban are terrorists.

Pakistanis were the first to celebrate their victory, and Pakistanis are the last to face the consequences of it.
 
FearlessRoar said:
Afghanistan's Taliban said on Monday that Pakistan carried out two air strikes in Afghan territory, killing five women and three children, with a spokesman condemning the strikes as a violation of sovereignty

The strikes came as the neighbours have traded blame over responsibility for recent militant attacks in Pakistan, which says they were launched from Afghan soil, although Afghanistan's ruling Taliban deny this.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory," Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Taliban administration, said in a statement.

The strikes killed five women and three children in the eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika, he added.

“Last night at around 3 am, Pakistani planes bombed the houses of civilians,” said the IEA spokesperson. He added that the bombings resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including three women and three children in Paktika, with an additional two women losing their lives due to the collapse of a house in Khost province.

The Paktika province is located near Pakistan’s South Waziristan district while Khost is situated near North Waziristan.

"The person named Abdullah Shah, who the Pakistani side claims was targeted in the incident, is in Pakistan, on the other hand, there is a tribe living on both sides of this region who have daily trips and close relationships," claimed Mujahid.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns these attacks and calls this reckless action a violation of Afghanistan's territory, said the Taliban spokesperson and warned that the interim government of Afghanistan, which has a "long experience of freedom struggle against the superpowers of the world", does not allow anyone to "invade its territory".

The spokesperson also urged the new government to stop the "continuation" of wrong policies which "benefit others" and spoil the relationship between the two nations.

Mujhahid warned of potentially dire consequences stemming from such incidents, cautioning that the repercussions could spiral beyond Pakistan's control, “Such incidents can have very bad consequences which will be out of Pakistan’s control," said the spokesperson.

The Taliban further stressed that the IEA "will not tolerate" any actions that jeopardize the safety of individuals within its borders.

The airstrikes occurred just one day after President Asif Ali Zardari pledged retaliation following the deaths of seven soldiers, including two officers, in a terrorist assault on a security forces' post in North Waziristan.

A lieutenant colonel and a captain were among seven soldiers martyred in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan's Mir Ali on Saturday.

As per the ISPR, troops foiled the initial attempt of intrusion into the army installation in the wee hours of the day however, a group of six terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into it, later carrying out multiple suicide bombings.

The attacks led to the collapse of a portion of a building, resulting in the martyrdom of five brave soldiers.

The martyred soldiers included Havildar Sabir, a resident of district Khyber; Naik Khurshid, a resident of district Lakki Marwat; Sepoy Nasir, a resident of Peshawar; Sepoy Raja, a resident of Kohat; and Sepoy Sajjad, a resident of Abbottabad.

During the ensuing clearance operation, the Pakistan army troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali, engaged and gunned down all the six terrorists. However, 39-year-old Lt Col Ali, a resident of Karachi, and 23-year-old Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar, a resident of Talagang, embraced martyrdom.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan targets TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan | The Express Tribune

FO says airstrikes hit Hafiz Gul Bahadur group
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
Click to expand...
https://twitter.com/x/status/1769658836162433446
 

Will not tolerate any terrorism from across border: PM Shehbaz​


Following recent skirmishes on the Pak-Afghan frontier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday asserted that the government would not tolerate any cross-border terrorism.

In the early hours of Monday, Pakistan struck Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces in “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations”, which, according to the Afghan interim government, killed eight people.

The Foreign Office had confirmed the strikes, saying they were aimed at the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which recently targeted security forces in North Waziristan, martyring seven soldiers.

The airstrikes were responded to by Afghanistan forces which used heavy weapons, including mortars, to target troops across the border in Kurram and North Waziristan.

Tuesday remained relatively calmer as guns on both sides of the boundary remained silent, barring the Angoor Adda border.

Earlier this year, Pakistan conducted retaliatory strikes in Iran after the latter launched attacks in the border town of Balochistan’s Panjgur, targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl.

Addressing a meeting of the federal apex committee today, PM Shehbaz said: “We will not tolerate any kind of terrorism from across the border. Under no circumstances.”

At the outset of the meeting, the committee prayed for the martyrs in last week’s North Waziristan attack. The premier celebrated that thousands of lives had been lost to terrorism in the past decade.

“Unfortunately, again, terrorism has reared its head. The reality is that despite such great sacrifices and resources expended, our martyrs and warriors are risking their lives to eliminate terrorism,” PM Shehbaz said.

Recalling his visit to the martyrs’ families, the premier quoted the father of 23-year-old Captain Ahmed Badar as saying: “Prime minister, terrorism must be eradicated.”

“I also told him that we cannot tolerate this terrorism anymore. Pakistan’s borders are a red line against terrorism,” the prime minister said.

“We want to exist in a very peaceful environment with our neighboring brothers — do trade, commerce and expand our relations — but unfortunately, if a neighbor’s land is used for terrorism, this is intolerable,” he asserted.

PM Shehbaz requested “neighboring countries” to “come and sit” to devise a plan against terrorism “with sincerity of purpose to work towards eradicating it”. “I am hopeful that our neighboring country will carefully consider my invitation,” he added.

Dawn
 

Country does not desire armed conflict with Afghanistan, says defence minister​


Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that his country does not desire an armed conflict with Afghanistan, following Islamabad's airstrikes on alleged terrorist hideouts across the border.

In an interview with Voice of America (VoA), Asif emphasized, "Force is the last resort. We do not want to have an armed conflict with Afghanistan."

He cautioned that Pakistan could block the corridor it provides to landlocked Afghanistan for trade with India if Kabul fails to curb anti-Pakistan terrorists operating on Afghan soil, questioning the rationale behind providing this corridor if Afghanistan treats Pakistan as an enemy.

Asif highlighted the surge in terror attacks in Pakistan since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021. He noted that a message needed to be sent that cross-border terrorism has become intolerable. He Pakistan expressed's desire to convey to the de facto rulers in Kabul that the current situation is untenable.

Regarding Pakistan's interactions with the Taliban, the defense minister stated that during a visit to Kabul in February 2023, he advised Taliban ministers to not let past “favors” from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tie Kabul’s hands.

He warned, "If they [TTP] can harm us, then we’ll be forced to [retaliate]." Asif expressed hope that Afghanistan would meet the "single demand" of reining in the TTP, thereby preventing the need for future military strikes from Pakistan.

Asif also alleged that Kabul was allowing the TTP to operate against Pakistan to prevent its members from joining the Islamic State terrorist outfit’s local chapter, known as IS-Khorasan Province. He referred to IS-KP as a major internal security threat for Afghanistan.

Despite China's silence on the cross-border fighting, Asif dismissed the lack of public support from Beijing, stating, "It's not necessary that the world must applaud us. What is in our interest is enough for us. We are protecting our interest, irrespective of whether someone applauds us or not."

Pakistan strikes inside Afghanistan

Accusing certain elements in the Taliban government for patronizing the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, Pakistan carried out what it termed "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations" in the border regions inside Afghanistan on Monday, in a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighbors.

However, a carefully worded statement did not specify the nature of the operation or mention the air strikes.

Although Pakistan has carried out air strikes in the past inside Afghanistan, notably in April 2022, this was the first time Islamabad officially acknowledged striking inside the neighboring country.

The strikes were prompted by the March 16 terrorist attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan in which seven Pakistani soldiers including two officers were martyred. The attack seems to be a tipping point in the relationship that has remained on the edge for months.

A statement issued by the foreign office said the target of the operation was the terrorists belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, which along with TTP, was responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials.

Taliban condemn strikes

The Taliban government confirmed the strikes but rejected Pakistani claims that those attacks killed any militants.

Condemning the strikes as a violation of sovereignty, Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, claimed attacks killed five women and three children in the eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory," Mujahid said in a statement.

“Last night at around 3am, Pakistani planes bombed the houses of civilians,” said the IEA spokesperson. He added that the bombings resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including three women and three children in Paktika, with an additional two women losing their lives due to the collapse of a house in Khost province.

The Paktika province is located near Pakistan’s South Waziristan district while Khost is located near North Waziristan. "The person named Abdullah Shah, who the Pakistani side claims was targeted in the incident, is in Pakistan, on the other hand, there is a tribe living on both sides of this region who have daily trips and close relationships," claimed Mujahid.

tribune.com.pk

Country does not desire armed conflict with Afghanistan: Asif | The Express Tribune

Khwaja Asif says message needed to be sent that cross-border terrorism has become intolerable
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
And wisdom also lies in not engaging in armed conflict with Afghanistan and instead focusing on the economy.
 

Pakistan Should Follow Up on Problems Within Its Own Territory: Mujahid​

The Islamic Emirate rejected the claims of Pakistani officials regarding the presence of members of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the country and considers their use of Afghan soil against Pakistan to be baseless.

The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate requests the Pakistani government not to attribute its problems to Afghanistan.

“We do not allow Afghan soil to be used against Pakistan. Pakistan should also be careful in such cases and try to follow up and solve its problems more correctly within its own country,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate.

Three days after Pakistan's attack on parts of Paktika and Khost provinces, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, without naming Afghanistan, says he wants good relations with his neighboring country and emphasizes that the soil of neighboring countries should not be used against Pakistan.

"We can no longer tolerate terrorist activities resulting from cross-border movements, and misuse of border issues is a red line for us. Pakistan wants to live in peace and brotherhood with its neighboring countries," said Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

In the meantime, Pakistan's Defense Minister in an interview with a Pakistani media outlet has warned that if the issue TTP is not addressed by the Islamic Emirate, the Pakistani will defend its country referring to conducting airstrikes again.

Khwaja Muhammad Asif says his country does not want armed action with Kabul, but there will be no doubt about it if necessary.

"God willing, there will be no need for further attacks in Afghanistan, but if terrorists from Afghanistan attack Pakistan, we must act to defend ourselves. We believe that dialogue should be the first step and the use of force should be the last option," He said.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, in response to the recent Pakistani army air strikes on Khost and Paktika provinces, quoted by Geo News, said that Pakistan should maintain good relations with the Afghan government regardless of the rulers of Afghanistan.

" The operation of the 18th March 2024 was not targeted against the people, institutions or the military of Afghanistan. we respect the sovereignty and territorial Integrity of Afghanistan and look forward to working together to find joint Solutions encountering terrorism and preventing any terrorist organization from sabotaging bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan Pakistan," said Mumtaz Zahrah Baloch, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.

Early Monday Morning (March 18th), Pakistani planes bombed parts of the provinces of Paktika and Khost, resulting in the death of eight people, including children and women.

https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187927
 
There's no point talking about which group rules afghanistan whether they are taliban or communists or liberals they are Afghans.

And Afghans hate pakistan even Indian Hindus and Sikhs greater punjab accepted creation of pakistan something these namak harams haven't even if they have kpk balochistan they still want to destroy pakistan since they won't accept its existence .

Punjab sind was their harvest throughout history they would raid and take away loot and human beings read up history . The caused constant problems for mughal empire.

They have been attacking pakistan since the 50s they even took over bajaur in an invasion before pakistan army pushed them out .

We need to tear these namak harams a big one every attack should be met with good carpet bombing of their border areas you need to kill these people in huge numbers so they feel it .

They've killed 10000s of pakistanis in last 20 yrs .

I
 
Pakistan should not be waiting sitting like a duck to be attacked again and again. Do strikes and let the world know that Pakistan has the right to defend against such attacks. No need to be friendly with the ones who are not friendly with you. Defense is the right and should be used wisely and promptly.
 

Pakistan urges Afghanistan to address terrorism as ‘shared concern’​

In the wake of a recent deadly attack in Kandahar, Pakistan has called upon Afghanistan to collectively tackle the issue of terrorism as a ‘shared concern’, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to combat this persistent threat.

The statement was issued by the foreign office on Friday, highlighting the imperative of joint action following the tragic incident.

The attack, which occurred just a day prior, involved a suicide bombing that claimed the lives of three individuals and left 12 others wounded in Kandahar, a city at the heart of Taliban-controlled territory in Afghanistan.

Despite the severity of the incident, no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Expressing solidarity and sympathy, the foreign office had issued a press release on Thursday strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Kandahar. The release conveyed sincere condolences from the people and government of Pakistan to the bereaved families, alongside prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.

Furthermore, the foreign office reiterated Pakistan's staunch condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Emphasising the necessity of collective action, the foreign office stressed that terrorism remains a shared concern that demands mutual cooperation and concerted efforts from both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

This call for joint action aligns with Pakistan's longstanding commitment to addressing terrorism through dialogue and collaboration with its Afghan counterparts.

FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, speaking at a weekly press briefing, underscored Pakistan's prioritisation of dialogue and cooperation in resolving mutual concerns, particularly the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

Regarding recent airstrikes against targets of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group inside Afghanistan, launched in response to an attack on a Frontier Corps camp on March 16, Baloch reiterated Pakistan's commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with Afghanistan to combat terrorism effectively.

Despite tensions arising from the airstrikes, Pakistan she said remained dedicated to pursuing avenues of communication with Afghanistan to mitigate security challenges and preserve the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

tribune.com.pk

Pak urges Afghanistan to address terrorism as ‘shared concern’ | The Express Tribune

FO stresses the need for collaborative efforts to combat this persistent threat following Kandahar attack
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Pakistanis are blaming Indians for Afghan Taliban now just 3 years ago they were telling us the difference between good Taliban and bad taliban and doing bhangra over Taliban taking over.
 
Envoy says no pause in ties with Kabul despite strikes

Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, has said there is no pause in relations with the Taliban administration in Kabul despite recent military actions.

Talking to Dawn on Friday after a meeting with Afghan Charge d’Affaires Sardar Ahmad Shakib, Ambassador Durrani described the meeting as a continuation of engagement with Taliban officials after the strikes against Gul Bahadur Group hideouts in Afghanistan.

A day earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office had publicly voiced desire for addressing the issue of terrorism with Afghanistan through dialogue and cooperation.

The strikes, aimed at the hideouts of the Gul Bahadur Group in Afghanistan, marked a significant moment in the complex relationship between Islamabad and the Taliban government, which has been strained by the issue of terrorist sanctuaries since the Taliban’s ascension to power in 2021. This incident was notably the first instance of Pakistan deploying fighter jets into Afghan airspace for such operations, prompting a sharp response from the Taliban through artillery fire along the border areas.

During his conversation with Sardar Shakib, Mr Durrani highlighted the primary focus on addressing terrorism and exploring bilateral cooperation to mitigate these challenges.

FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had reminded in her media briefing on Thursday that a Pakistani proposal aimed at jointly tackling terrorism has been on the negotiation table for a while. “We hope going forward, the two countries can work together to find joint solutions to combat terrorism,” she expressed optimistically.

The discussion between Ambassador Durrani and Sardar Shakib also touched upon strengthening the ties between the two countries, including an upcoming visit by a Pakistani trade delegation to Afghanistan on March 25.

In a separate statement condemning a recent terrorist attack in Kandahar, the FO reiterated that terrorism remains a mutual concern, necessitating collective efforts to address and overcome.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold crucial trade talks in Kabul​


Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold crucial trade talks on Monday in Kabul, days after Pakistan conducted air strikes inside Afghanistan, targeting terrorist hideouts.

“Secretary of Commerce Khurrum Agha will undertake a two-day visit to Afghanistan on Monday, 25th March 2024, to discuss trade-related matters. Pakistan remains committed to promoting trade and people-to-people ties with Afghanistan,” read a terse statement issued by the Foreign Office on Sunday.

The Commerce Secretary will be accompanied by other senior officials at talks taking place amid tensions between the two estranged neighbours.

The worsening ties have undermined bilateral trade between the two countries in recent months. The frequent border closures due to a variety of reasons also negatively impacted trade ties.

Afghan Taliban authorities insist that trade and commercial ties must not be linked with the political relationship.

Pakistan, not happy with the Taliban government for its reluctance to act against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, took a series of measures in October last year to end the misuse of Afghan transit trade facilities.

Pakistan included certain items in the negative list, introduced 100 per cent bank guarantees, and other measures. Afghan authorities claim that Pakistan's steps led to a 50 per cent reduction in trade through Pakistan, with the same shifting to Iran.

But Pakistan said the steps were necessary to stop the misuse of Afghan transit trade facilities. There was an abnormal increase in Afghan imports through transit trade in 2022-23. Some items, which had no demand in Afghanistan, saw unprecedented imports.

Authorities said the transit trade facilities were being misused to smuggle back goods meant for Afghanistan into Pakistan.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a recent interview, threatened to block the trade corridor that Afghanistan is using to export goods to India through Pakistan if cross-border terrorist attacks do not stop.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense for months over the issue of TTP.

On March 18, Pakistan conducted an intelligence-based anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan. The strikes were in retaliation to the March 16 Mir Ali terrorist attack that killed seven soldiers, including two officers.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold crucial trade talks in Kabul | The Express Tribune

Pakistan remains committed to promoting trade and people-to-people ties with Afghanistan, says FO
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Asif terms Afghanistan ‘source of terror’

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday once again blamed Afghanistan for not making any progress to root out terrorism and called for further tightening of border controls to mitigate the threat.

“In view of the increase in terrorist incidents, there is a need for a fundamental change in the border situation. The source of terrorism in Pakistan is in Afghanistan and despite our efforts, Kabul is not making any progress in this direction,” Mr Asif posted on X, formerly Twitter.

He regretted that despite Taliban administration being aware of the hideouts of terrorism, terrorists were operating freely against Pakistan from their territory. “Cooperation from Kabul (for tackling terrorism threat) is not available,” the minister emphasised.

His comments came against the backdrop of a string of attacks over the past few days including those on Gwadar Port Authority complex and naval base in Turbat and the suicide attack on the van carrying Chinese workers in Shangla.

The minister posted these remarks after attending a special security meeting convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. His remarks in a way reflected the discussion at the meeting as PMO statement on security meeting had expressed concern over “sanctuaries available to terrorists across the borders” and had called for “a regional approach” for countering terrorism.

A video clip that recently went viral on social media showed an Afghan Taliban member, identified as Yahya, assisting Pakistani terrorists based in Afghanistan in planning a cross-border attack on Pakistani troops deployed along the border.

The defence minister describing the complexity of the border security challenge said Pak-Afghan border was different from the traditional international borders. “Pakistan will have to enforce all international laws and traditions on this border and the traffic of terrorists will have to be stopped. In this way, both countries can promote their relations like traditional good neighbors. Travel facilities can be continued through passport and visa,” he maintained.

Since November 1, Pakistan has required that all Afghan citizens must possess a valid passport and visa to enter the country. Simultaneously there was a significant shift to a “one document regime” policy marking a departure from the longstanding practice of issuing special travel permits to individuals from tribes that span the nearly 2,600-kilometre border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

However, it remains unclear which new measures the minister was referring to for enhancing control over cross-border movements.

SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
 

Mujahid Assures Immunity of Afghan Soil Against Pakistan​

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, accusing the Islamic Emirate of negligence in the fight against terrorism is Pakistan's way of evading its responsibilities.

Mujahid said: "Unfortunately, these accusations have been made repeatedly, but we deny them. The main issue is that Afghanistan does not allow its soil to be used against any country or for there to be individuals here who, God forbid, create insecurity against any country. But Pakistan should be aware of its security."

Earlier, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Defense Minister, had labeled Afghanistan as the source of terrorism and accused the Islamic Emirate of negligence in this regard, adding that the source of terrorism in Pakistan is in Afghanistan, and despite our efforts, Kabul has made no progress in this direction. However, knowing the hideouts of terrorism, they freely operate from their land against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, a number of military and political analysts believe that Pakistan's security incidents are the result of the competition between China and the United States in the region and have nothing to do with Afghanistan.

"This is above this region, for instance, the USA and India have always tried to obstruct the CPEC projects. But we regret the Defense Minister of Pakistan's accusations against Afghanistan, considering Afghanistan does not have the potential for it," said Moeen Gul Samkani, a political analyst.

"Pakistan wants to divert the blame from the international community and accuses the people of Afghanistan. For this reason, we say that the nests of terrorism have been in Pakistan for the past forty-four years, from where terrorist attacks have been and are still being carried out against Afghanistan," said Salim Paigir, another political analyst.

Earlier, Pakistan's Defense Minister had warned in an interview with a Pakistani media outlet that if the TTP is not controlled by the Islamic Emirate, the Pakistan Army will also attack Afghanistan in the future.

tolonews.com

Mujahid Assures Immunity of Afghan Soil Against Pakistan | TOLOnews

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, accusing the Islamic Emirate of negligence in the fight against terrorism is Pakistan's way of evading its responsibilities.
tolonews.com tolonews.com
 
We've been hearing the same thing for a while now, but still, attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil are happening more often.
 
Plan with Kabul to separate cargo, passenger movement

In a breakthrough in trade relations with Afghanistan, Pakistan has agreed to a plan to separate cargo movement and passenger crossings at border stations to maintain unfettered bilateral trade and facilitate transit to Central Asian states.

Pakistan has decided to establish a one-document regime (ODR) for all foreign nationals, including Afghans, who travel to Pakistan with a valid visa. The first deadline for implementing ODR was Nov 1, 2023, which was extended to Jan 31 and then March 31.

During the March 24-27 visit, Pakistan’s Commerce Secretary Mohammad Khurrum Agha met with his Afghan counterpart Nooruddin Azizi to discuss bilateral trade and transit. They reached an understanding on various issues.

An official source told Dawn that the secretary of commerce will brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the agreed-upon plan with Afghanistan before proceeding with implementation. The source added that the prime minister’s approval will be sought on all these issues.

Soon after returning from Kabul, the government transferred Secretary Commerce Khurrum Agha on Friday, but the Establishment Division has yet to notify his replacement. Before becoming secretary of commerce, Mr Agha worked in the prime minister’s secretariat.

According to the source, the introduction of ODR has significantly impacted trade relations with Afghanistan and transit trade with Central Asian states (CAS) since November 2023. The decision has also significantly impacted truck drivers and supporting staff on both sides of the border.

According to a source, Pakistani and Afghan truck drivers do not possess passports. As a result, cargo transportation has been significantly affected, leading to a slowdown in trade volume.

To address this issue, Pakistan has decided to exempt Afghan truck drivers from visa requirements for a year beginning in May and to allow vehicles to move against temporary admission documents. At the very least, this decision will end the uncertainty in bilateral and transit trade with Afghanistan and CAS.

Many trade experts praised Islamabad’s initiative to delink trade from politics. Furthermore, the Pakistani business community expressed concern that the new proposed visa system will impede bilateral trade with Kabul and transit trade with the CAS.

At the same time, policymakers were made aware of the negative consequences of Pakistan’s downgraded diplomatic relations with New Delhi and suspension of all bilateral trade in August 2019, when India revoked occupied Kashmir’s special status by repealing Article 370 of its constitution. Pakistan is now considering revising its decision to resume trade relations with India.

Experts believe Pakistan should not make the same option in the case of Afghanistan due to political issues and border tensions.

The annual average cargo movement at Pak-Afghan border stations is between $7 billion and $8bn. The bilateral trade volume amounts to approximately $1.5bn, with the remaining portion attributed to Afghanistan’s transit trade goods under the transit trade agreement.

At the same time, Pakistan’s trade with CAS is also between $400 and $500m annually via a transit of Afghanistan. Uzbekistan has already implemented its transit trade agreement with Pakistan, under which 1,200 containers were imported only in February.

Tajikistan imported three trucks loaded with potatoes from Pakistan under the transit agreement.

Under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, Pakistan accepted Afghan proposals to enable cross-stuffing at Karachi ports within six months. It was also decided that the transit trade agreement would be finalised within the following two months.

Both sides agreed that Pakistan will use insurance guarantees rather than bank guarantees for transit trade. Both parties agreed to boost trading through financial systems rather than barter trade. It was also agreed at the meeting that Pakistan would import coal from Afghanistan at international rates.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

The thing is true, but it's embarrassing.​

​

=======================================================

More Than Just Islamic State: Rising Militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan​


There has been a wave of attacks across Pakistan in recent weeks by militant groups operating in the region that have widely varying objectives.

This week, a suicide attacker killed five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver in a convoy in Pakistan’s northwest. Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, is the usual suspect for such attacks in the northwest, but in a statement on Wednesday, it denied being behind targeting the Chinese workers.

Earlier, two suicide attacks in Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed nine Pakistani troops in the third week of March.

In the southwest, militants carried out a brazen attack on Pakistan’s second-largest naval airbase and a port complex near the Arabian Sea in the volatile Balochistan province. The Pakistan army said two soldiers and 14 militants were killed in the attacks. Designated terrorist group Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, accepted the responsibility.

The attacks by suspected regional militant groups came as the most active terrorist group in the region, Islamic State-Khorasan, was blamed by Washington for the attack in Moscow a week ago that killed more than 140 concert-goers.

"The recent surge in attacks is deeply concerning because it represents an escalation in militant tactics," said Elizabeth Threlkeld, senior fellow and director for South Asian affairs at the Washington-based Stimson Center.

Who are the militant groups now active in the region, and what are their goals?

Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K, is leading the current wave of terror across the region.

The group was formed in 2015 by disgruntled Pakistani Taliban members. It considers itself a branch of the larger Islamic State, or IS, in what it calls the Khorasan, a reference to the historic region comprising parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran.

IS-K, like its parent organization IS, is a Sunni organization. IS-K claims it is working to enforce Salafi sharia throughout its region of influence. The group opposes Shia Islam, and fighters have taken credit for hundreds of deaths of Shiites in Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent years.

A U.N. report last year in June said IS-K’s family members and fighters in the region number between 4,000 and 6,000.

"IS-K is attracting disgruntled militants from Taliban and members of the Tajikistan-based radical group Jama’at Ansarullah, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan [IMU], East Turkistan Islamic Movement [ETIM] and those inspired by the Salafi ideology," said Syed Fakhar Kakakhel, a Pashtun journalist in Pakistan who covers militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

IS-K has not claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow, but its statement in Pashto last Monday glorified the attackers. The 30-page statement was a fierce polemic against the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan, scolding them for their relations with the U.S., Russia, China and other countries.

IS-K has claimed responsibility, though, for the two suicide attacks, one each in Afghanistan’s Kandahar city on March 21, and the suicide bombings on January 3 at the memorial services for the Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Kerman city, Iran. More than 100 people were killed in the latter attack. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone attack in Iraq in 2020.

Russian, Iranian and Afghan Taliban identified the attackers of Moscow, Kerman and Kandahar as nationals of Tajikistan.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan: umbrella syndicate of militants

Analysts say TTP has gotten smarter in its tactics, techniques, and weapons since the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021. A U.N. report early this year said al-Qaida is conducting suicide bomber training to support TTP, a U.S.-designated terrorist group.

Kakakhel said TTP’s new strategy includes delegating powers to its proxies, adding sophisticated weapons such as M24 sniper rifles and M16A4 rifles with thermal scopes and night vision, along with targeted ambushes to its playbook.

"We had reported suicide attacks where a candidate came to press the button and blew himself off. But now, they fight for the last breath inflicting maximum casualties to forces and then pressing the button at the right time," Kakakhel said.

"I assess the TTP's threat to be more severe, especially as the TTP has sanctuary in Afghanistan and support of the Taliban. TTP also has a bigger fighting force," said Asfandyar Mir, senior expert for South Asia with a focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan, at the Washington-based U.S. Institute for Peace.

The militants carried out 97 attacks in February this year and about 789 attacks last year in Pakistan alone, a record high since 2018, according to Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies. Pakistani officials attribute a higher percentage of the attacks to the TTP or its proxies.

The Pakistan military and civilian government representatives engaged the TTP leadership in talks in 2021, but they couldn’t reach a deal. The government officials later said TTP wanted power in regions close to Afghanistan to impose their Sharia on the style of Afghan Taliban.

"Pakistani security forces should be commended for holding off attacks on Gwadar and Turbat naval station, but the broader challenge remains that the military and police are taking heavy losses across the western border region," Elizabeth Threlkeld told VOA.

She said Pakistan's leaders badly miscalculated in assuming a Taliban government in Kabul would support Pakistan's interests. "As Pakistan seeks a way out of this difficult diplomatic and security challenge, it would benefit from conducting a thorough review of the analysis and decision-making that drove its Afghan policy for the past two decades to draw lessons going forward," she said.

Balochistan: home for militant separatist groups

Baloch separatist groups, several of which are designated as terrorist groups by Britain and the United States, are largely secular but for nearly 20 years have been embroiled in an active insurgency against Pakistani troops. The feud started after the Pakistani army killed a prominent Baloch leader and former chief minister Balochistan Akbar Bugti in 2006.

As many as five known Baloch separatist groups are coordinating their attacks against Chinese-funded projects and Pakistani forces in the restive province under the banner of the "Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar," a Baloch name translated as Baloch National Freedom Movement.

The most lethal faction is the Majeed Brigade, a sub-group of Baloch Liberation Army. The Majeed Brigade has accepted responsibilities for some of the lethal attacks on the Chinese nationals and Pakistani troops. Other Baloch separatist groups engaged in insurgency include Baloch Republican Army, Baloch Republican Guards, Baloch Liberation Front and Bashirzeb Baloch Group.

Balochistan-based analyst Syed Ali Shah said Baloch militants are different from Islamic militants: "In Balochistan, this is a political insurgency. They are not fighting for the implementation of Sharia, rather, [they fight] for greater control over Baloch coast and resources."

Pakistani media has reported 11 major attacks on Chinese nationals and projects in Balochistan and other parts of the country since 2018. Most of these attacks were claimed by Baloch separatist groups.

Some analysts consider the Islamist militants a bigger threat for regional security because of their transnational presence and higher number of fighters. "As for the Baloch militants, they have been trying to target Chinese interests for several years now and are in no mood to relent," said senior expert Mir.

He said he thinks Pakistan will probably continue to exert pressure on the Afghan Taliban to reduce the threat of both TTP and Baloch militants.

www.voanews.com

More Than Just Islamic State: Rising Militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Groups have widely varying objectives
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Afghanistan behind recent terror wave in Pakistan: Khawaja Asif​


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says Afghanistan is the recent source of terrorism in Pakistan.

Speaking to the media, Khawaja Asif said that as long as Afghanistan does not close down its training camps, shelters, and facilities for terrorists, the cycle will continue. He himself had led a delegation to Afghanistan and requested the Afghan government to cooperate with Pakistan in curbing terrorism.

Khawaja Asif stated that the solution proposed by Afghanistan was not practical.

“Due to the changing behavior of the Afghan government, our options for them are becoming limited. Just as there are borders all over the world, the Pakistan-Afghanistan border should also be the same. People come to Pakistan with visas and engage in business. Those who cross the border illegally are the ones who bring terrorism. When the international status of the border is compromised, it is not being respected,” said the minister.

Khawaja Asif said that investigations into attacks on Chinese workers were ongoing, with a Chinese investigative team involved. “Leads have been found, and Pakistani and Chinese investigative teams will work together to track down this terrorism. In the coming days, we will also curb such terrorism,” he added.

“The IMF programme is ongoing, and goals are being achieved. It will take one and a half years to provide relief to the people. We have the means to provide relief to the people. Cases of tax evasion worth Rs 270 billion are under investigation. Theft worth billions of rupees is happening in taxes, electricity, and gas. If we correct these things, the people will get relief,” said the defence minister.

He further said that in the next six months, our actions will provide relief to the people.

Source: Dunya News
 
Afghan minister asks TTP, Islamabad to negotiate

Acknowledging that the activities by an outlawed militant organisation inside Pakistan were leading the international community to point fingers at Afghanistan, a senior Afghan Taliban leader on Wednesday urged the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamabad to sit together and negotiate for peace.

“We ask the government of Pakistan and advise the brothers (TTP) who are fighting with them to come together and talk,” Muhammad Nabi Omari, deputy interior minister of the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan told an iftar gathering in the southeastern Khost town.

The Afghan Taliban have been privately urging Pakistan and the TTP to engage in direct negotiations to end over a two-decade-long conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and seen massive displacement of people in the tribal region straddling Afghanistan.

But this marks the first time a senior Afghan Taliban figure has chosen to publicly speak on the subject, not only calling for direct engagement between Islamabad and the TTP, but also chiding the militant conglomerate.

Attempts by the Afghan interim regime to “facilitate” talks between the two sides in the past have ended in deadlock, prompting Islamabad to accuse Kabul of providing sanctuary and urging it to take action against the militant organisation.

The Afghan Taliban have strenuously denied that the TTP is using the Afghan soil and have been urging Pakistan to look inward to address its internal security problems.

Relations between the two countries have been strained ever since Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Khost and Paktika in retaliation for the death of seven of its soldiers in a suicide bombing in North Waziristan in March.

“We have seen war and revolution”, Omari was quoted by Afghan media outlet ToloNews as saying. “These wars and revolutions leave behind widows and orphans, destroy homeland and ruin the economy,” he said.

“Now the world makes excuses that terrorists are present here [in Afghanistan] and Al Qaeda exists”, the deputy interior minister said. “I swear, based on our information… there is not a single Al-Qaeda member in Afghanistan”, Omari said.

The deputy interior minister however, did not address the presence of TTP in Afghanistan.

Omari cautioned Islamabad and the TTP that both sides could not win the war. Citing the Afghan Taliban experience, the senior Taliban figure said that even if Pakistan had a ten million strong army, it could not eliminate its opponents.

Likewise, he said, the TTP too could not win this war. He said that the Afghan Taliban could win the war because the whole Afghan nation was behind them, supporting them with food and shelter.

“And to our brothers (the TTP), whatever, they may call it – jihad or war, we don’t meddle in their affairs, if they are fighting against the system (state), even if you fight the system for hundred years … you cannot win”, he said, citing the Afghan Taliban experience.

In the same breath, Omari again chided the TTP without naming them, that it possibly did not enjoy mass support amongst the Pakistani population.

“We have got nothing to do it with it,” he said, adding quickly “but we are getting the heat for it”, in a short video posted on social media. “The escalation of conflict in Pakistan affects the situation in Afghanistan”.

It was not immediately clear what prompted a high profile figure to speak on an issue, which the Kabul leadership has been shying away from discussing publicly citing its sensitivity.

Pakistan’s stated policy has thus far been that it would not engage in any direct talks with the TTP and that the Afghan interim regime is bound under the terms of Doha agreement to take action against the outfit.

A highly placed source said that Pakistan had collected evidence of the TTP’s involvement in the killing of Chinese workers in Besham, which would be shared with Beijing, which is likely to take it up with Kabul.

China has been a major investor in Afghanistan and has senior level diplomatic presence in both countries, recently having formally accepted the credentials of Kabul’s ambassador.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

Seven terrorists killed as infiltration bid from Afghanistan foiled​


Security forces on Tuesday killed at least seven terrorists who were trying to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the North Waziristan district, the military said in a statement.

“On 16 April 2024, movement of a group of seven terrorists, trying to infiltrate the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by security forces in general area Spinkai, Ghulam Khan of North Waziristan District,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The statement said that the infiltrators were surrounded, effectively engaged and after an intense fire exchange, all seven territories were killed. “A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the killed terrorists,” it added.

ISPR said that Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border.

“Interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” it added.

It further said that the security forces of Pakistan are determined and remain committed to securing its borders and eliminating the menace of terrorism from the country.

A day earlier, the military had said that terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan were acting as proxies against Pakistan and its economic interests, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), posing a threat to regional and global security.

Chairing the 264th Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir directed the top military commanders to pro-actively deny any space to the terrorists, the ISPR said in a news release.

According to the ISPR, Gen Asim praised the untiring efforts of the army and the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in successfully thwarting several terrorist attacks and neutralising key terrorist commanders during the ongoing counterterrorism operations.

tribune.com.pk

Seven terrorists killed as infiltration bid from foiled | The Express Tribune

ISPR urges interim Afghan govt to ensure effective border management, deny use of Afghan soil by terrorists
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Top Afghan Taliban aide shot dead in Pakistan

A close aide of Taliban supreme leader Mullah Habitullah Akhundzada and former bodyguard of another leader, Mullah Mansoor, was assassinated in Pakistan by unknown assailants near the Pak-Afghan border on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Mohammad Omar Jan Akhundzada, was leading evening prayers at a mosque in the city of Quetta on Thursday when he was attacked.

There are no immediate claims of responsibility for the deadly shooting.

Akhundzada hailed from Zabul province and held the position of chief at a seminary in Kandahar.

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), urged local authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for the assassination.

The deceased was reportedly on Eid holidays and was visiting family in the area .

The loss of a senior member has sent a shockwaves within the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as the killed leader was reportedly targeted by the militant Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Pakistan.

Following the withdrawal of United States-led foreign forces in August 2021, numerous central religious figures and associates of the Taliban have been targeted for assassination within Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul.

The ISKP, a regional affiliate of the Islamic State and a fierce rival of the Taliban, has claimed responsibility for a significant number of these attacks.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 

Islamabad, Kabul embroil in fresh war of words​


Islamabad and Kabul engaged in a fresh round of a war of words on Thursday as the Foreign Office (FO) dismissed the latest charge by Afghanistan that the Da’ish terrorist group was operating from Pakistan.

On Monday, DG ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif issued a fresh charge sheet against the Taliban government, accusing them of not doing enough to stop the cross-border terrorist attacks being perpetrated by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The chief military spokesperson also formally confirmed for the first time that the March 26 terrorist attack targeting Chinese engineers in Besham had links to Afghanistan.

The Afghan Defence Ministry rejected the Pakistani statement and instead blamed Islamabad for supporting Daesh.

At a weekly news briefing, the FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s stance that there was enough evidence to suggest a link between recent terrorist incidents and Afghanistan.

“You must have seen the statement made by ISPR in which it was very clearly elaborated that we have evidence of the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan,” the spokesperson said.

“We have also found evidence that the attack in Besham has links with terrorists currently residing inside Afghanistan. The suicide bombing, as said by DG ISPR, connects to across the border. The planning of this terrorist attack took place in Afghanistan, and the terrorists and their facilitators were being controlled from Afghanistan,” she explained.

She said that Pakistan expected the Afghan authorities to take effective measures against these terrorist entities. “With such effective measures, they should be able to demonstrate that these terror groups do not have sanctuaries and hideouts inside Afghanistan.”

She said that Pakistan would share evidence with the Afghan authorities once comprehensive information and intelligence data from the law enforcement agencies were available.

“You would realise that there are several channels of communication between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our respective embassies are one channel, but there are other channels, including in the security domain, through which Pakistan exchanges information and its concerns related to these terror groups. We have been calling on the Afghan authorities to take effective action against TTP and other related terror groups.”

However, she rejected Afghan allegations about Da’ish, terming them “unwarranted and irresponsible.”

“Instead of such irresponsible statements, the Afghan authorities should take effective action against all terror groups based in Afghanistan,” the spokesperson stressed.

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained tense for months over the lack of action against the TTP by the Taliban government.

Meanwhile, Pakistan condemned in the strongest terms the invasion and seizure of the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza by Israeli occupation forces in defiance of international warnings and acceptable international behaviour.

“With its latest actions, Israeli occupation authorities have once again demonstrated their contempt for international humanitarian law as they continue to pursue an abhorrent policy of genocide and extermination in Gaza,” the spokesperson said.

She said that Israeli forces had bombed, starved, and humiliated the people of Gaza for months.

“And they now are moving forward to forcibly displace civilians from the last remaining shelter for millions fleeing from the inhumane assault in the rest of the besieged Gaza Strip,” the spokesperson added.

“These war crimes and crimes against humanity must end. We call on the international community to take urgent measures to bring an end to this aggression and genocide. Measures should be taken to fully protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and the occupation forces must be held accountable for the Gaza genocide,” she said.

tribune.com.pk

Islamabad, Kabul embroil in fresh war of words | The Express Tribune

FO rejects Afghan allegations about Da’ish, terming them ‘unwarranted and irresponsible’
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

Pakistan vows to defend sovereignty amid Afghan border clashes​


The Foreign Office on Friday indirectly acknowledged border clashes between Pakistan and Taliban forces, saying the country stands ready to defend itself against any threat to its security and sovereignty.

There have been reports of sporadic clashes between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban forces over the past three days. There was no official word from either side about the cause of clashes.

However, sources said the clashes were triggered by unprovoked firing from the Afghan side. There were casualties on both sides but Islamabad and Kabul remained tightlipped.

At the weekly briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch without sharing any specific details said: “Our armed forces and our security forces are ready to defend the territory and the people of Pakistan from any threat that affects or endangers our security.”

“Pakistan has conveyed its deepest concerns about the situation and urges the Afghan authorities to ensure that the soil of Afghanistan is not used to threaten Pakistan’s security and that it should take effective action against terror groups that continue to threaten Pakistan, Pakistani public and law enforcement and security officials,” she added.

However, the spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.

“We urge Afghanistan to take action against terror groups that threaten its sovereignty and the security of Pakistan. Pakistan has always said that it will defend itself against any threat to its security and sovereignty, including from terror groups that threaten Pakistan’s security,” she said.

Tensions have been simmering between the two neighbours as cross border terrorist attacks continued despite Pakistan’s strong protest.

Commenting on the statements from certain Indian officials about the recent protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the spokesperson said Pakistan strongly rejected the statements emanating from the eastern neighbour.

“We reject the irresponsible statements that are coming in from the Indian side amidst the ongoing election campaign. Regrettably, these statements reflect an unhealthy and entrenched obsession with Pakistan and reveal a deliberate intent to exploit hyper-nationalism for electoral gains,” the spokesperson maintained.

“These also signify a desperate attempt to deflect attention from mounting domestic and international criticism,” she noted.

“With regards to the inflammatory rhetoric about Azad Jammu and Kashmir, we reiterate that historical facts, legal principles, moral considerations and ground realities refute India's baseless claims and Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally-recognised disputed territory as the UN Security Council resolutions clearly mandate a plebiscite under auspices of the United Nations. We believe that no amount of inflated Indian statements can change this reality.”

When asked about the signing of a 10-year agreement between Iran and India on Chabahar Port, the spokesperson said Pakistan did not comment on the relationships of other countries.

“Pakistan has a solid brotherly relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran and during the recent visit of His Excellency, the President of Iran, several substantive agreements and understandings were reached and this included the decision by the two sides to further strengthen connectivity, including the sister port relationship between Gwadar and Chabahar. Pakistan will continue to work with its neighbour Iran to further enhance coordination and understanding with respect to connectivity,” she stressed.

“With regards to the reaction by any third country on a bilateral agreement that has been signed between Iran and India, Pakistan does not have any comments since this issue does not pertain to Pakistan,” she added.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan will undertake his first bilateral visit to Pakistan on May 19-20, 2024.

He will hold delegation-level talks with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, she said. “They will review the state of bilateral cooperation and take stock of preparations for the upcoming 7th session of High-Level Strategic Coordination Council (HLSCC) between Pakistan and Türkiye. Foreign Minister Fidan will also call on the Prime Minister of Pakistan as well as Speaker of National Assembly and Chairman Senate,” she added.

The visit of Foreign Minister Fidan is part of regular high-level exchanges between the two brotherly countries and would serve to further consolidate bilateral cooperation.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan vows to defend sovereignty amid Afghan border clashes | The Express Tribune

Sources say clashes were triggered by unprovoked firing from Afghan side
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
29 terrorists killed in operations along Pak-Afghan border since April 21: ISPR

According to the Pakistan army’s public relations wing, security forces have been conducting effective operations in the general area Sambaza in Zhob District of Balochistan and have neutralised 29 terrorists successfully.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, “Off late, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist incidents orchestrated from Afghan soil, wherein, terrorists from Afghanistan attempt to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan Border and target Security Forces as well as the innocent civilians.”

In the same series of operations, during an intelligence-based operation on May 14, Major Babar Khan also embraced, Shahadat, while fighting gallantly.

“Pakistan’s Security Forces are determined and remain committed to secure the borders and ensure the safety of its citizens against the scourge of terrorism,” the ISPR said.

It added that Pakistan has consistently been asking the Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border.

“Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetrating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the ISPR said.

arynews.tv

29 terrorists killed in operations along Pak-Afghan border since April 21: ISPR

The security forces killed 29 terrorists in operations along the Pak-Afghan border area since April 21, ARY News reported on Wednesday, quoting
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Afghanistan agrees to review Pakistan's findings on Besham attack probe

Pakistan on Thursday formally sought assistance from the Taliban government to apprehend the perpetrators of the March 26 terrorist attacks that killed five Chinese engineers.

On the special directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Secretary of Interior, Muhammad Khurram Agha, visited Kabul and held a detailed meeting with the Interim Afghan Deputy Minister for the Interior, Muhammad Nabi Omari, said an official handout issued here by the Foreign Office.

In the meeting, which focused on the terror attack of March 26 at Besham, the interior secretary shared the findings of the government of Pakistan into the Besham attack and sought Afghanistan’s assistance in apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Afghan side reiterated its commitment to prevent the use of their soil for any terrorist activity against other countries, including Pakistan,” said the Foreign Office.

It said that the Afghan side also agreed to examine the findings of the investigation and expressed the resolve to work with the Pakistani side to take the investigation to its logical conclusion.

The two sides agreed to remain engaged to confront the threat posed by terrorism to regional countries and to address the concerns raised by Pakistan.

On Sunday, Pakistan asked the Afghan Taliban government to arrest the entire leadership of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and put them on trial after sharing fresh evidence linking Afghanistan with the March 26 terrorist attack on Chinese engineers in Besham.


Tribune
 

Pakistan terms Tehran’s regional meeting on Afghanistan helpful in securing peace, security​


During her weekly briefing on Friday, Mumtaz Zahra responded to a question from an IRNA correspondent stating that Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani, the Special Representative of Pakistan on Afghanistan, is set to attend the quadrilateral meeting of the Tehran regional contact group for Afghanistan.

She emphasized the significant position and role of the regional contact group in promoting regional cooperation.

Mumtaz Zahra also highlighted that the consultations held at the regional contact group level are crucial to preventing Afghanistan from becoming a hub for terrorist activities.

Additionally, she mentioned the strong support of neighboring countries for Afghanistan's efforts towards the welfare and economic recovery of its people.

Earlier, the Director General of South Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Rasoul Mousavi, wrote in a message on the X that Tehran will host the meeting of the regional contact group for Afghanistan on Saturday, June 8.

He further added that the consultation of the special representatives of Iran, Pakistan, China, and Russia is on the agenda.

en.irna.ir

Pakistan terms Tehran’s regional meeting on Afghanistan helpful in securing peace, security

Islamabad, IRNA - The Pakistan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Balouch, has described the regional meeting on Afghanistan hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran as a significant step towards closer cooperation between Afghanistan's neighbors to ensure peace, security, and stability...
en.irna.ir en.irna.ir
 

Pakistani military returns body of drowned Islamic Emirate member to Afghanistan​


The member of the Afghan Taliban government drowned in a river in Afghanistan's Lal Pura area, and the body drifted into Pakistan. Troops from the Frontier Corps Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa North retrieved the body from the river.

The Pakistani military contacted Afghan authorities and, after necessary formalities, respectfully returned the body to Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate praised the high standards and professional integrity of the Pakistani military.

The Pakistani military expressed condolences to the family of the deceased member of the Islamic Emirate. The family also thanked the Pakistani military for the return of the body.

 
Pakistan ‘decides’ to participate in Doha talks on Afghanistan

According to sources, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, and Assistant Secretary for Western Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmad Naseem Warraich, will leave for Doha in the next few days and will represent Pakistan in the talks.

The third round of Doha talks, hosted by the United Nations, will begin on June 30 and will last for two days.

The Afghan interim government will also participate in the talks, marking a significant development in regional efforts to address the Afghan conflict, sources added.

For the first time, special representatives from around the world will sit face-to-face with Afghan Taliban representatives. Diplomats and special representatives from 25 countries are expected to participate in the talks, which will be attended by the UN Secretary-General and special representatives.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres first convened envoys on Afghanistan from various countries in May last year to work on a unified approach to dealing with the Taliban authorities. The Taliban were not invited.

The Taliban then refused to attend the second Doha meeting in February, when the U.N. rejected its demand to act as Afghanistan’s sole official representative, Guterres said.

arynews.tv

Pakistan 'decides' to participate in Doha talks on Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to participate in the talks on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar, kicking off on June 30, ARY News reported quoting diplomatic
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 

Opposition asks Khawaja Asif to retract statement on cross-border strikes inside Afghanistan​


Senior members of the opposition in the National Assembly vehemently condemned on Friday the recent statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in which he “irresponsibly” declared that Pakistan would carry out cross-border strikes in Afghanistan to target terrorists.

The opposition leaders have not only condemned the defence minister’s statement but sought an apology from him, saying such reckless rhetoric is not only inflammatory but also endangers the fragile peace and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“Khawaja Asif’s statement has the potential to escalate tensions and spark a wave of terrorism, reversing the efforts made towards regional stability and peace,” Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan said.

“Our focus should be on dialogue and collaboration with our Afghan brothers to combat terrorism, not on threats of unilateral military action,” insisted the opposition leader. PTI chairman Barrister Gohar said that the path to security and prosperity lies in building bridges, not in issuing threats of military aggression.

The meeting of the senior leaders of the opposition and members from ex-FATA and PATA took place in the Opposition Lobby in the National Assembly on Friday. The opposition leaders included PTI’s former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), among others.

“The statement by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif is not just irresponsible; it is a dangerous provocation that threatens to destabilize our region further,” Qaiser said. “Cross-border strikes are not a solution to the menace of terrorism. They will only exacerbate the situation and lead to further loss of innocent lives on both sides of the border,” he added.

Qaiser further said that “we must work together to ensure peace and security in the region, respecting each other’s sovereignty and fostering mutual trust.”

Reportedly, Asif has hinted at the possibility of launching cross-border attacks against militants in Afghanistan while ruling out negotiations with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in an interview with a foreign news outlet.

The Central Apex Committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) announced on Saturday its plan to launch vision Azm-e-Istehkam to eliminate militant violence in the country amid the opposition parties’ criticism and demand that the matter should have first been discussed in parliament.

The opposition leaders underscored the deep and historic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing that such incendiary remarks do not reflect the sentiments of the people of Pakistan. “We share more than just a border with Afghanistan; we share a history, culture, and the bonds of brotherhood,” remarked Achakzai.

MNA Sahibzada Sibghatullah added that “any threat of military action undermines the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that we have worked so hard to build.” They called out the defence minister for his failure to appreciate the complexities of regional dynamics and for making irresponsible statements that could have grave repercussions.

The opposition leaders collectively “demanded an immediate retraction of the statement and a formal apology from Khawaja Asif.” They urged the government to adopt a more diplomatic and measured approach to addressing security concerns.

PTI leader Junaid Akbar said that we needed policies that reflect our commitment to peace, not war. The meeting was also attended by Anwar Taj, Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, Shahid Khattak, Salim-ur-Rehman, Bashir Khan Asif Khan, Sajid Khan Mohmand, and Dawar Khan Kundi.

tribune.com.pk

Opposition asks Khawaja Asif to retract statement on cross-border strikes inside Afghanistan | The Express Tribune

The opposition not only condemns defence minister’s statement but seeks an apology
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Pakistan will continue to launch attacks against Afghanistan as part of a new military operation aimed at countering terrorism, Khawaja Asif

Khawaja Asif said the aerial strikes were targeting groups which Pakistan accuses of targeting security forces and civilians.
Previously, senior officials in Pakistan had only admitted to one such strike on the neighbouring country, in March of this year. The Taliban government in Afghanistan describes the strikes as violations of its sovereignty.

“It’s correct that we have been carrying out operations in Afghanistan, and we will continue to do so. We won’t serve them with cake and pastries. If attacked, we’ll attack back,” Mr Asif told BBC Urdu. He also dismissed fears over the legality of the strikes, saying Pakistan does not inform the Taliban of impending attacks.

He said: "This would eliminate the element of surprise. Why should we tell them, ‘get ready, we are coming’?”

The Taliban said the statement was "irresponsible", warning Pakistan that cross-border attacks would have "consequences".
Tensions have been rising between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the country in 2021. Pakistan alleges that a faction of the Taliban, the Pakistani Taliban or TTP, has sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan has been reluctant to take action against the TTP, despite our requests to let them not use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan,” Mr Asif said.

Pakistan has recently announced a renewed military operation, Resolve for Stability" in English, aimed at curbing escalating violence and terrorist attacks. It will mainly focus on groups acting within Pakistan.

Critics, and even some sources within the government, have suggested the new operation was launched following pressure from Beijing, concerned about the safety of its 29,000 citizens in Pakistan, 2,500 of whom are working on China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative.

Five Chinese engineers were killed when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a hydropower project in northwest Pakistan in March 2024.

Pakistan's military previously alleged the attack was planned in neighbouring Afghanistan, and that the bomber was also an Afghan national.

Mr Asif denied that the most recent military operations had been due to pressure from China. But he said the operations would address security threats to Chinese projects and nationals in Pakistan.

Source: BBC
 
Have any cross border counter strikes by Pakistan been confirmed or do we just take Khawaja’s word for it?
 

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban hold face-to-face talks on TTP​

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban held crucial talks, first in several months, in the Qatari capital as part of the latest push to iron out their differences on the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The talks were held at the residence of Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar, between Pakistan’s special envoy on Afghanistan Ambassador Asif Durrani and Chief Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid on Monday.

Durrani and Mujahid were leading their countries' respective delegations at the third meeting of the Doha process on Afghanistan.

On the sidelines, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar invited Zabiullah Mujahid over a dinner where they held formal talks with Ambassador Asif Durrani.

Mujahid termed his interaction with Pakistan as “good” and expressed the hope that relations between the two neighbours would improve. Durrani, meanwhile, said he discussed the Doha meeting and regional issues with the Taliban delegation.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of simmering tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government. Tensions deepened further after Pakistan indicated it might resort to cross border strikes to target the terrorist hideouts of TTP.

Sources said the meeting was part of renewed efforts by Pakistan to convince the Afghan Taliban to get rid of the TTP and its affiliates.

The latest push came after Pakistan decided to use all possible diplomatic options to resolve the issue of TTP.

One source told The Express Tribune on Tuesday that the Taliban side was conveyed that there was no issue between the two neighbours except the TTP. Durrani told the Taliban spokesperson that if Kabul took care of the issue, the relationship between the two countries would see a positive turn.

During the closed door session of the Doha meeting, Durrani brought up the issue of sanctuaries and urged the Afghan Taliban to tackle them.

Besides holding a bilateral meeting, Pakistan and Afghanistan officials were joined by Qatar and Uzbekistan at the sidelines of Doha conference to discuss a trans railway project that would connect Pakistan and Uzbekistan via Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, following the conclusion of two-day meeting, a senior UN official clarified that the Doha meeting and presence of the Taliban delegation must not be misconstrued as international recognition of the Kabul regime or step towards it.

"This is not a meeting about recognition. This is not a meeting to lead to recognition ... having engagement doesn't mean recognition," UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary Dicarlo told reporters in Doha.

"This isn't about the Taliban. This is about Afghanistan and the people," she stressed, conceding that the UN had to concede to the Taliban demand since many stakeholders felt their presence in the meeting was important.

However, she made it clear that this did not mean that the issue of girls’ education and human and women rights were no longer a priority of the UN and other stakeholders.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
Pakistan asks Afghan govt to ensure end of cross-border attacks on its soil

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working together with other member states to strengthen SCO as an active and integrated regional forum to achieve common objectives of peace and prosperity.

Addressing the SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan today, he said the SCO, with its enormous human and socio economic potential, represents a promising future. As leaders, he said it is our responsibility to rise above partisan geopolitics and join hands to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for our peoples.

Alluding to the repeated avowal to invest in the connectivity of SCO region through efficient transport corridors and reliable supply chains, he said it is time to put these words into action.

The PM pointed out that Pakistan’s location makes it an ideal trade conduit for the entire region. CPEC, the flagship project of Belt and Road initiative, supplements SCO’s vision for regional connectivity and economic interaction.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also emphasized the need for promoting the use of national currencies for mutual settlement within the SCO region saying this can help avoid international financial shocks. He said Pakistan supports the proposal to create an SCO alternative development funding mechanism to give the needed impetus to various stalled development initiatives.

Welcoming the SCO agreement on environment protection, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remains committed to working for a sustainable and nature-positive world.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said the international community must engage meaningfully with the interim Afghan government to help them in their genuine economic and development needs. He said the interim Afghan government must take concrete and effectives measures to ensure its soil is not used for terrorism by any entity against other states.

Shehbaz Sharif said terrorism and extremism whether committed by individuals, groups or states must be fought collectively in a comprehensive manner.

He said we must ensure respect to the universally recognized principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and people’s fundamental right to self-determination. He said the UNSC resolutions offer a workable framework to resolve longstanding disputes including those in our region. He said failure to implement these resolutions speedily and amicably have brought unimaginable sufferings to the people of the region.

Expressing grave concerns over the Israeli atrocities against Palestinians, the Prime Minister urged the SCO to out-rightly denounce the Israeli barbaric acts and call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire leading to the implementation of two states solution which includes the establishment of Palestine as a viable, secure and contiguous state on the basis of pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

The Prime Minister regretted the surge in Islamophobia saying this runs counter to humanity and must be universally outlawed.

arynews.tv

Pakistan asks Afghan govt to ensure end of cross-border attacks on its soil

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working together with other member states to strengthen SCO as an active and
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
FC Balochistan (South) foiled a smuggling attempt from Pakistan to Afghanistan in Nokundi, seizing 1,368 bags (70 tonnes) of sugar worth Rs 10 million. An FIR has been registered, and the smugglers have been handed over to customs authorities for further action.

Samaa
 
Pakistan again shuts door on prospects of talks with TTP

Pakistan has once again ruled out the possibility of any talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and once again urged Kabul to act against terrorists operating on its soil.

“... Pakistan has no designs of entering into any talks with a terror group that has been involved in killings of Pakistani citizens…,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told a weekly press briefing on Thursday.

Answering a question about the Afghan government spokesperson’s statement that Kabul was ready to mediate between the TTP and Pakistan, she said such statements “should be taken in the proper context of Pakistan’s position with regards to dialogue with TTP”.

She added that the two countries have been discussing the issue of terrorism “for the last several months”.

“Pakistan is concerned about the terror threat that we face from individuals and entities which have support and sponsorship from across the border in Afghanistan,” the spokesperson said.

“[W]e respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan … We expect the Afghan authorities to uphold their sovereignty and take action against those terror groups which have found sanctuaries inside Afghanistan and are using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan.”

Answering a question about the repatriation of Afghan nationals, the spokesperson said the Illegal Foreign Repatriation Plan (IFRP) was being implemented in a phased manner.

“The number of illegal foreigners, including Afghan nationals, who have been repatriated to their home countries, were higher in the initial months of its implementation. These numbers are gradually coming down as more and more individuals have been returning to their home countries,” she added.

Regarding the plan’s second phase, Ms Baloch said it pertained to Afghan nationals who possess the Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC) for which a mapping exercise was taking place.

She added that Afghan nationals with Pakistan Origin Cards will not be considered for repatriation at this stage.

“[T]he POR cards have been extended for one year. And lastly, with regards to Afghan refugees in Pakistan.”

The spokesperson added that Pakistan held discussions with several countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and Italy, who have agreed “to take a certain number of Afghan nationals”.

“We have remained engaged with them and have urged them to expedite the approval and visa issuance process for these individuals so that they are relocated as early as possible.”

The spokesperson also denied any indication to the UNHCR regarding the suspension of IFRP which will be implemented “without discrimination with regards to the nationality of individuals”.

On a question about the resolution passed by the US House of Representatives and counter motions passed by the National and Punjab assemblies, Ms Baloch said Pakistan and the US have “a multifaceted and robust relationship”.

“We have remained engaged with the United States, trying to understand each other’s perspectives, expressing and sharing with each other our mutual concerns, and [identifying] areas of cooperation. We believe that this relationship should move forward on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit, sovereign equality and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.”

In response to a question about ties with Russia, the spokesperson said dialogues are taking place between the two countries.“The latest meeting between the leaders of our two countries on the sidelines of the SCO Summit was an important occasion for the two countries to reaffirm their commitment to further enhance cooperation in various domains, including in economic and trade matters.”

DAWN
 

Pakistan demands ‘decisive’ action from Afghanistan against terrorists after Bannu terror attack​


Pakistan on Wednesday issued a strong demarche to Afghanistan following a deadly terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment on Monday, which claimed the lives of eight security personnel and injured several others.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Deputy Head of Mission of the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad was summoned to the ministry today.

It said that Pakistani officials conveyed their deep concerns and demanded that the interim Afghan government fully investigate the incident and take immediate, robust action against the perpetrators.

They also called for measures to prevent future attacks emanating from Afghan soil.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, the group that carried out the Bannu attack, along with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan.

The statement said that Islamabad reiterated its serious concerns over the continued presence of such terror outfits in Afghanistan, which threaten Pakistan’s security and undermine bilateral relations.

“The Bannu Cantonment attack is yet another reminder of the serious threat posed by terrorism to regional peace and security. Pakistan reiterates the call for decisive action against terrorism and remains steadfast in its commitment to combat this menace and to uphold its security against all threats,” the statement further said.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan demands ‘decisive’ action from Afghanistan against terrorists after Bannu terror attack | The Express Tribune

Islamabad summons Afghan envoy, delivers strong demarche to Kabul
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

Pakistan demands ‘decisive’ action from Afghanistan against terrorists after Bannu terror attack​


Pakistan on Wednesday issued a strong demarche to Afghanistan following a deadly terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment on Monday, which claimed the lives of eight security personnel and injured several others.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Deputy Head of Mission of the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad was summoned to the ministry today.

It said that Pakistani officials conveyed their deep concerns and demanded that the interim Afghan government fully investigate the incident and take immediate, robust action against the perpetrators.

They also called for measures to prevent future attacks emanating from Afghan soil.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, the group that carried out the Bannu attack, along with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan.

The statement said that Islamabad reiterated its serious concerns over the continued presence of such terror outfits in Afghanistan, which threaten Pakistan’s security and undermine bilateral relations.

“The Bannu Cantonment attack is yet another reminder of the serious threat posed by terrorism to regional peace and security. Pakistan reiterates the call for decisive action against terrorism and remains steadfast in its commitment to combat this menace and to uphold its security against all threats,” the statement further said.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan demands ‘decisive’ action from Afghanistan against terrorists after Bannu terror attack | The Express Tribune

Islamabad summons Afghan envoy, delivers strong demarche to Kabul
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

Key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopens​


A key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan that remained closed for three days following skirmishes has reopened, an official said on Thursday.

The Torkham border, which connects Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, was shut down on Monday after skirmishes between border security forces of the two countries.

"The border has reopened this morning for travelers and transport after remaining closed for three days," Abdullah Khan, a local Pakistani official at the border, told Anadolu.

The closure of the Torkham border, one of the two main crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has caused heavy losses to already depreciating trade between the two neighbors, as Torkham is one of the busiest trade routes between Islamabad and Kabul.

The trade volume between landlocked Afghanistan and its southern neighbor has been mostly affected by terrorist attacks in Pakistan that Islamabad blames on Afghanistan-based militants, leading to the closure of border crossings.

On Tuesday, Zabihullah Mujahid, a chief spokesperson for the interim Afghan government, said they are investigating reports of Pakistani fighter jets violating Afghan airspace while patrolling.

His statement came after a clash between the security forces of two neighbors near the Torkham border and unconfirmed reports of Pakistani fighter jets patrolling the airspace of Nangarhar and neighboring Kunar province.

Islamabad accuses "Afghan-based" Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants of carrying out militant attacks inside Pakistan, while Kabul denies the allegation that such attacks are launched from its soil.

Sporadic clashes between troops at the Pakistan-Afghan border have been ongoing for a long time, with no respite even after the Taliban took power in the war-torn country in August 2021.

Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan share 18 border crossing points, the busiest of which are Torkham and southwestern Chaman in Balochistan province.

Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line -- the de facto border between the two countries -- on the grounds that it was created by a British colonial “to divide ethnic Pashtuns.”

However, Islamabad maintains that the Durand Line is a permanent border between the two neighboring countries.

The 2,640-kilometer-long (1,640-mile) border was established in 1893 in line with an agreement between India under British colonial rule and Abdur Rahman Khan, the then-ruler of Afghanistan.

www.aa.com.tr

Key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopens

Torkham border shut down on Monday after clash between countries' security forces - Anadolu Ajansı
www.aa.com.tr www.aa.com.tr
 
Kabul urged to avoid unprovoked acts

On violations of the border, the FO spokesperson urged the interim Afghan government to exercise restraint and avoid unprovoked acts against the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

She said this while responding to a question about rising incidents of cross-border firing and a recent clash between the border forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan near the Torkham border crossing.

Earlier this week, security forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire after the former objected to the construction of a controversial checkpost near the border by the Afghans. The cross-border firing incident resulted in the closure of the border for all types of movement.

The FO spokesperson said: “First, I would not like to go into history of such border violations from the Afghan side. However, as you know, the recent incident was very unfortunate when on the 12th of August, Afghan forces opened indiscriminate fire at the Torkham border.”

Pakistani forces responded appropriately in self-defence, she added.

“We urge the Afghan authorities to exercise restraint and avoid unprovoked acts against Pakistan-Afghanistan border. They must understand that Pakistani forces will always defend their territory.”

Baloch further said that they remain ready to resolve any misunderstandings through established diplomatic channels.

“I would also like to underline that the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is multifaceted, and it encompasses various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. This is a historic relationship, so seeing this relationship from a narrow prism would not be advisable.”

The spokesperson said Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns about the presence of terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. She said Pakistan expects the Afghan authorities to take effective and robust action against the terrorist groups.

The spokesperson strongly rejected allegations about Pakistan's role in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajid saying there is absolutely no truth in them. She said Pakistan believes that the people of Bangladesh have the capacity to settle their affairs and determine their future.

Baloch strongly denounced the storming of Al-Aqsa mosque by hundreds of extremist settlers led by office bearers of Israeli occupation authorities. She said the desecration of one of Islam's holiest sites and obstruction of the rights of worshippers have deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. This act is a violation of the Geneva Convention and blatant disregard of multiple UNSC resolutions.

The spokesperson called upon the international community especially the UN Security Council to take immediate action to end the serious and repeated transgressions against the sanctity of holy sites in Jerusalem, protect the Islamic character of Al-Aqsa and ensure the freedom of worship of the Palestinian people.

GEO
 

'Internal matter': Afghan Taliban offer mediation between Pakistan and TTP​


The Afghan Taliban's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, has described the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Pakistan's "internal matter" but has offered mediation if Islamabad desires.

In an interview with Independent Urdu, Mujahid stated, "We wish to maintain good relations with Pakistan, a neighbouring country with whom we share a language, religion, and extensive cultural ties." He added that the Taliban are committed to ensuring that Afghan soil is not used for any conflicts against Pakistan or other nations.

Responding to concerns about TTP's activities, Mujahid emphasised that Afghanistan does not allow anyone to wage war from its territory. "If Pakistan has any concerns, they should share them with us, but levelling accusations through the media only fosters mistrust," he said.

When asked about previous attempts at mediation between Pakistan and TTP, Mujahid confirmed the Taliban's willingness to facilitate dialogue. "If Pakistan wishes, we can play a mediatory role. However, we do not intervene unless both parties express a genuine desire for resolution."

Mujahid also touched upon recent border clashes at the Torkham border, urging for dialogue and political solutions. He highlighted the economic impact of border closures, which he said hurts traders on both sides.

"We have tried to keep trade and border issues separate from politics, and we hope Pakistan does the same," he added.

Since the return of Taliban in Kabul in August 2021, the number of terrorist attacks inside Pakistan has only gone up, much to the dismay of Islamabad.

The first five months of this year saw 83 per cent increase in terrorist attacks, forcing authorities to launch a fresh campaign against militant groups.

tribune.com.pk

'Internal matter': Afghan Taliban offer mediation between Pakistan and TTP | The Express Tribune

Mujahid says we have tried to keep trade and border issues separate from politics, and we hope Pakistan does the same
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Four security men martyred in Afghan border clashes

Three security personnel were martyred and five militants were killed in an exchange of fire along the Pak-Afghan border in Bajaur district on Sunday night while a Frontier Corps man was martyred in a clash with Afghan forces at the Gaznali border check post near the Noshki area of Balochistan.

A statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan military, said that the security forces engaged a group of militants who was trying to infiltrate Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Bajaur area.

The troops effectively engaged and thwarted the militants’ attempt to infiltrate and an exchange of fire took place, the statement said.

The statement further said that five militants were killed in the clash on the Pak-Afghan border while four others were injured.

“However, during intense exchange of fire, three brave sons of soil: 36-year-old Naik Inayat Khan from district Khyber), 35-year-old Lance Naik Umer Hayat from district Mansehra) and 25-year-old Sepoy Waqar Khan from district Peshawar, having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat,” the statement said.

It further said that Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on its side of the border, adding that the interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of the Afghan soil by the militants for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.

The statement said that Pakistani security forces are committed to securing its borders and such sacrifices of the brave soldiers further strengthen the security forces’ resolve. In another incident in Dera Ismail Khan, sources said that the security forces killed four militants in an operation carried out in Krri Malang area of Tehsil Kulachi on Monday.

The sources said that the operation was carried out on reported presence of militants in the area, adding that an exchange of fire took place between security forces and militants which left four militants killed.

They said that two of them were later identified as Irfan and Zeeshan.

Security forces also recovered a huge quantity of sophisticated weapons and hand grenades from possession of the militants who were killed in the operation, the sources said, adding that the militants killed by security forces were wanted in several cases including attacks on security personnel and bank vans.

No official statement was issued by ISPR on the exchange of fire in Dera Ismail Khan till filing of this report late in the night.

FC personnel martyred

A security personnel of Frontier Corps was martyred in an armed clash with Afghan forces in Noshki area of Balochistan, Pakistani officials confirmed on Monday.

According to reports the armed clash took place between two sides on Sunday in Gaznali area, a locality on the Pak-Afghan border, some 200 km from Quetta.

“The Frontier Corps personnel and Afghan forces exchanged heavy fire at the border in Noshki area,” Noshki deputy commissioner Amjad Hussian Soomro said, adding that one personnel of Noshki militia, a wing of Frontier Corps, was martyred in the exchange of fire. However, he did not tell the reason for the clash.

However, a senior FC official requesting anonymity, said that Afghan forces opened fire on the FC personnel when they went to Gaznali check post after receiving reports about the damage of to the fence erected by Pakistan to check infiltration of militants and illegal Afghans into Pakistan from Afghanistan.

The Afghan forces opened fire on seeing the FC troops. The FC personnel returned fire, triggering a heavy exchange of fire which continued for an hour. The exchange of fire resulted in martyrdom of a Pakistani security personnel who was identified as Subedar Tariq who suffered bullets on his stomach.

There was no report of casualties on the Afghanistan side of the border.

BBC
 
Bharat must pull out from Afghanistan completely and focus more on Balochistan now. The Pathan brothers need us.
 
Afghan consulate officials disrespect Pakistan's national anthem in ceremony

Afghan Consulate officials demonstrated extreme indecency and gross violation of diplomatic protocols at a ceremony in Peshawar today.

Officials of the Afghan Consulate were invited by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to the Rahmat-ul-lil-Aalameen Conference in Peshawar.

Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir remained seated during Pakistan's national anthem, blatantly disregarding diplomatic protocol and shamelessly sitting in his seat.

By not respecting the national anthem, Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir declared that he has no respect for Pakistan and the Pakistani nation.

The actions of Consul General Shakir may add further strain to an already fragile relationship.


Dunya News
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Afghan consulate officials disrespect Pakistan's national anthem in ceremony

Afghan Consulate officials demonstrated extreme indecency and gross violation of diplomatic protocols at a ceremony in Peshawar today.

Officials of the Afghan Consulate were invited by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to the Rahmat-ul-lil-Aalameen Conference in Peshawar.

Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir remained seated during Pakistan's national anthem, blatantly disregarding diplomatic protocol and shamelessly sitting in his seat.

By not respecting the national anthem, Afghan Consul General Mohibullah Shakir declared that he has no respect for Pakistan and the Pakistani nation.

The actions of Consul General Shakir may add further strain to an already fragile relationship.


Dunya News
Click to expand...
Yeah now only to see first few pages of this thread…
 
Pakistan lodges protest over Afghan consulate officials' disrespect of national anthem

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch termed the Afghan officials' act of disrespecting of national anthem as reprehensible.

The foreign office responded to media queries regarding the violation of diplomatic norms by officials including Afghan Consulate Acting Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakirby.

The Spokesperson said the disrespect of host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms.

A statement issued by FO spokesperson said: “The disrespect of host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms. This act of acting consul general of Afghanistan is reprehensible.”

She said the FO was conveying its “strong protest” to the Afghan authorities in Islamabad and Kabul.


Dunya News
 
It doesn't matter If it's ashraf ghani , karzai, a bachbaz warlord, taliban fighter or a communist leftist afghan , a maulvi or irreligious afghani they will have the utmost hatred for pakistan and in particular punjabis.

There's a reason the word namak haram has been coined for these people.

David Attenborough should do a documentary detailing a mammal human species pakistan which has another human parasite sucking its blood.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Taliban have zero respect for any intruder . Hence both the former USSR and USA have left with their tails between their legs. Even the hindutwa tried with the black mailing unsuccessfully.
 
aboveandbeyond said:
Taliban have zero respect for any intruder . Hence both the former USSR and USA have left with their tails between their legs. Even the hindutwa tried with the black mailing unsuccessfully.
Click to expand...
The one they are disrespecting here are Pakistani- the national anthem..
They are literally attacking Pakistan randomly..
 
JaDed said:
The one they are disrespecting here are Pakistani- the national anthem..
They are literally attacking Pakistan randomly..
Click to expand...

They are the pro Ashraf Gani brigade which are critical of Pakistan, Gani was also a poodle of the USA and a favourite of the Rss hindutwa government.
Taliban want no foreign policy instigated from their soil. They are hell bent to impliment their ways on their soil.
 
Like or hate it, Taliban practices Islam the way it is supposed to be practiced in its original, purest form and for that i respect them.

I may disagree with them as a proud man and a proud Sanatani.

But I respect them for being true in their belief.

Pakistan is a failed country with no identity and worse of all they are Unislamic in the way they run things over there. Taliban are well within their rights to not associate themselves with unislamic Pakistanis.
 
Bhaijaan said:
Like or hate it, Taliban practices Islam the way it is supposed to be practiced in its original, purest form and for that i respect them.

I may disagree with them as a proud man and a proud Sanatani.

But I respect them for being true in their belief.

Pakistan is a failed country with no identity and worse of all they are Unislamic in the way they run things over there. Taliban are well within their rights to not associate themselves with unislamic Pakistanis.
Click to expand...
What does Islam have to do anything with disrespecting others?? There is a punishment for that. will taliban punish that guy??
 
a
BouncerGuy said:
What does Islam have to do anything with disrespecting others?? There is a punishment for that. will taliban punish that guy??
Click to expand...

Disrespect and lack of respect are two different matters. One is offensive and the other is not.

What the Taliban displayed here is a lack of respect for Pakistan which is completely fine.

Disrespect would have been if they were talking during that moment or making fun of it. They didn’t do that. They quietly sat there and let the Pakistanis carry out whatever they were doing in an unislamic way.
 
Bhaijaan said:
Like or hate it, Taliban practices Islam the way it is supposed to be practiced in its original, purest form and for that i respect them.

I may disagree with them as a proud man and a proud Sanatani.

But I respect them for being true in their belief.

Pakistan is a failed country with no identity and worse of all they are Unislamic in the way they run things over there. Taliban are well within their rights to not associate themselves with unislamic Pakistanis.
Click to expand...

I can understand this viewpoint. From their point of view, Pakistan is not representative of an Islamic state, so a strict Taliban might not feel it is appropriate to stand in respect of Pakistan's national anthem. Problem is, even many Pakistanis themselves no longer respect their own flag. They feel no association with the imposed govt.
 
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