- Militant sanctuaries A great concern: fo.
- The deadline for refugee repatriation says ended on June 30.
- Add Iran’s visit date not officially confirmed.
Islamabad: The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shafqat Ali Khan, has dismissed reports on the possible recognition of Pakistan of the Taliban government in Afghanistan as speculative.
Speaking in the information session of the weekly press on Thursday, the spox said that the terrorist sanctuaries operating from the Afghan soil remain a constant source of concern for Pakistan.
Khan said that the consultations are ongoing among the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Afghanistan to end the schedule for the visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister.
He added that the preparations are ongoing, but the media reports on the official recognition of the Taliban administration are premature and speculative.
The FO spokesman also said that the deadline for the return of registered Afghan refugees expired on June 30.
“The proposals for an extension have been presented to the government, but a decision has not yet been made. The final authority on the matter lies in the Ministry of Interior and the relevant state institutions.”
Referring to the recent visit of the Interior Minister to Kabul, Khan said it was of significant importance. During the visit, both parties maintained detailed discussions about security and anti-terrorism, including the issue of delivering Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants.
He said that Afghan leadership responded positively to Pakistan’s concerns, and technical security dialogue is ongoing. A visible improvement in bilateral relations has been observed, and both countries are working to take advantage of this positive diplomatic trend.
Russia, earlier this month, officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so.
No other country has formally recognized the Taliban regime that seized power in August 2021 when the forces led by the United States organized a chaotic retreat from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.
However, China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have designated Kabul’s ambassadors.
Mediation of the United States?
In Iran, Khan said that Islamabad sees their relations with Tehran as multidimensional and focused on people. He expressed Pakistan’s support for diplomatic efforts to relive Iran’s nuclear agreement, saying that any resolution must be achieved through diplomatic channels.
He clarified that the date reported on July 26 for the visit of Iranian President was never completed and speculative. Both countries will soon announce a mutually agreed date.
Regarding India, Khan reiterated that Pakistan is still committed to solving all problems, including Kashmir, through dialogue.
He expressed full confidence in Pakistan’s defense capabilities, adding that any act of aggression would be fulfilled with a resolved response. “Pakistan is ready for significant negotiations, but Indian delay tactics hinder progress.”
The spokesman confirmed that so far no proposal or formal place for US mediation has been received.
