Pakistan has urged Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to abandon a “militant mindset” and adopt the conduct of a responsible state.
Speaking at a seminar on Afghanistan’s situation and prospects for peace on Tuesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan remained committed to dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Tarar noted that Pakistan had sent several high-level delegations to Kabul and participated in talks in Istanbul and Doha to address bilateral concerns.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained amid a rise in cross-border militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory against Pakistan.
Tarar said peace in Afghanistan could unlock greater trade and regional connectivity, including access to Pakistan’s ports for Central Asian countries. He also raised concerns over terrorist safe havens and limited economic opportunities for parts of Afghan society, saying Afghans should have basic rights and the ability to determine their future.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s support for negotiations, Tarar warned that Islamabad’s pursuit of peace should not be viewed as weakness, saying attempts to destabilise Pakistan would be met with a response.
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