Pakistan asks Kabul to act against cross-border militancy as Istanbul talks conclude

Pakistan has pressed Afghanistan’s Taliban administration to take firm action against militant groups operating from its territory, as the second round of bilateral talks in Istanbul concluded without a breakthrough.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi, speaking at a weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Friday, said Pakistan had maintained a “consistent and principled” position throughout the discussions that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

He added that Islamabad joined the dialogue “with a positive spirit and serious intent,” urging the Taliban to take “concrete and verifiable” steps to dismantle militant networks.

Andarabi noted that over the past four years, Pakistan had shared detailed intelligence with Afghan authorities about the presence of groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), yet cross-border attacks had increased despite repeated assurances from Kabul.

“In October, unprovoked attacks were carried out on Pakistani territory from across the border,” he said. “Pakistan desires peace but will take every necessary measure to safeguard its sovereignty and the protection of its people.”

While the spokesperson described Pakistan’s outlook as “cautiously optimistic,” he said Islamabad hoped for “constructive progress” in the next round of talks scheduled for November 6. He acknowledged the “facilitative roles” played by Qatar and Turkey in sustaining the dialogue.

Andarabi confirmed that the decision to close the Pakistan–Afghanistan border was based on a comprehensive security assessment and would remain in place until further notice.

He also revealed that Taliban officials had acknowledged the presence of the TTP and other militant outfits within Afghanistan, though they cited “operational limitations” for not moving against them. “The continued presence of these groups reinforces Pakistan’s security concerns,” he said.

Prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia

Turning to other diplomatic engagements, Andarabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia from October 27 to 29 at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and senior cabinet members, attended the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh and held detailed talks with the Saudi Crown Prince on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Both sides agreed to convene a session of the Saudi–Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council soon to accelerate collaboration in trade, investment, and energy.

During the visit, Shehbaz Sharif also met World Economic Forum President Børge Brende, who invited him to attend the Davos Forum in January 2026. Ishaq Dar later inspected the One-Window Facilitation Hall at Pakistan’s Embassy in Riyadh and held a telephonic discussion with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to review bilateral relations.

Regional and global developments

Addressing regional security concerns, Andarabi said Pakistan had taken note of the recently signed U.S.–India defense agreement and was “carefully assessing its implications” for South Asia’s strategic balance. “Pakistan will present its official position after a detailed review of the agreement’s potential impact on regional stability,” he said.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s engagement with the Taliban over the past four years remained guided by dialogue and diplomacy. “Maintaining communication, even amid challenges, is central to our approach,” he added.

Situation in Gaza

On the Gaza crisis, the spokesperson said Pakistan was engaged in consultations on the proposed international peace stabilization force being discussed under the Gaza peace initiative.

“Pakistan remains in close contact with Arab and Islamic countries and supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” he said.

Torkham Border and Pakistani nationals in Afghanistan

Responding to questions about the closure of the Torkham crossing, Andarabi said there were no new developments, noting that the Interior Ministry was handling operational matters.

He confirmed that Pakistan was in contact with its nationals and traders stranded in Afghanistan, some of whom were returning via direct flights while others awaited arrangements through alternate routes. “Details will be shared soon,” he added.

Condemning the desecration of Pakistani soldiers’ bodies during recent border attacks, Andarabi called the act “intolerable” and expressed hope that the issue had been raised comprehensively during the ongoing talks with Taliban representatives.