Pakistan rejects Afghanistan's claims of aiding IS, urges action on TTP camps

Pakistan dismissed on Thursday allegations by Afghanistan accusing it of supporting the Islamic State (IS), calling the claims “baseless and unfounded.”

The relationship between Islamabad and the Taliban administration has deteriorated since the latter’s return to power in 2021. Pakistan initially supported the Taliban during the U.S. withdrawal, hoping for a cooperative regime.

However, since the Taliban's takeover, terrorist activities across Pakistan have surged. According to the Ministry of Interior, 948 of the 1,566 terrorist incidents reported in the past 10 months occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in 583 deaths—two-thirds of the national toll.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which ended a fragile ceasefire with the government in late 2022, has intensified attacks on security forces and civilians in tribal regions bordering Afghanistan.

In response, the government officially designated the group as Fitna al-Khawarij in July, urging the public to use the term "Khawarij" (outcasts) to describe the group.

Frustrated by the Afghan Taliban's reluctance to act against the TTP, Pakistan's military carried out airstrikes on TTP hideouts in the neighboring country.

Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, speaking at his weekly press briefing, said the accusations harm regional cooperation and shift focus from the shared need to combat terrorism.

Khan called on Afghan authorities to dismantle TTP camps operating inside Afghanistan, underscoring Islamabad's commitment to peace and regional stability.

Responding to a question about a foiled attempt to smuggle a large cache of foreign weapons from Afghanistan into Pakistan, Khan said, "Afghan authorities need to ensure that such weapons do not end up in the hands of terrorists."

Afghan refugees

On the topic of Afghan refugees, Khan said Pakistan has an arrangement with the United States to relocate Afghan nationals by September 2025. However, he noted the process remains "excruciatingly slow."

"Pakistan continues to follow its existing policy and hopes for an expedited resolution to the matter," Khan added.

US presidential inauguration

The spokesperson addressed concerns over Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s presence at the U.S. presidential inauguration, stating that Pakistan was officially represented by its ambassador and that Naqvi’s visit was not facilitated through diplomatic channels.

Khan expressed gratitude to Morocco for rescuing 22 individuals following a boat accident. He commended Moroccan authorities for their swift response in aiding the affected.

Gaza ceasefire

The spokesperson welcomed the recent ceasefire in Gaza, crediting efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Turkey. He called for global support for Gaza’s reconstruction and demanded that Israel be held accountable for alleged war crimes.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a two-state solution, Khan emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the Palestine-Israel conflict.

India-Pakistan prisoner exchange

On the longstanding issue of prisoners held by both India and Pakistan, Khan stressed Islamabad’s readiness to resolve the matter on humanitarian grounds.

"This issue is being repeatedly raised on the diplomatic fronts. Both countries have prisoners in each other's custody, and this is a fundamental humanitarian issue that needs to be resolved," he said.

Concluding the briefing, Khan reiterated Pakistan's intention to join BRICS, saying, "Pakistan will join BRICS."