Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has said that Islamabad’s concerns over continued support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remain the biggest challenge in improving relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to reports, Andrabi’s remarks came as Pakistan continues to raise concerns over militant groups operating from Afghanistan territory. During a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, Pakistan’s envoy also called for greater international action against what Islamabad described as growing terrorism threats linked to Afghanistan, including activities by groups such as TTP and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K).
Responding to comments by Taliban authorities that they do not seek conflict with any country, particularly Pakistan, Andrabi said Islamabad could not independently confirm the accuracy of those statements. However, he stressed that Pakistan also does not want confrontation with Afghanistan and considers the Afghan people as “brothers and sisters.”
Andrabi said Islamabad believes improved relations depend on addressing its security concerns regarding TTP. He added that Pakistan’s current security policy would remain unchanged until it sees what it considers effective action against the group.
The Pakistani spokesperson said his country would continue measures aimed at protecting its citizens and would not compromise on national security.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated in recent years, largely due to Islamabad’s allegations that TTP fighters use Afghanistan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul authorities have repeatedly rejected accusations of supporting anti-Pakistan militant groups and have said Afghanistan soil will not be used against other countries.
Andrabi also commented on reports of increased clashes between Taliban authorities and armed opponents in provinces including Badakhshan, saying Islamabad was monitoring the developments but viewed them as internal Afghanistan affairs.
Earlier, Afghan officials accused Pakistan of supporting armed groups involved in attacks in Badakhshan, alleging that some fighters entered the province through Chitral with assistance from Pakistan’s military. Islamabad has rejected those accusations.
The dispute comes amid wider regional concerns over terrorism threats, with the United Nations and several countries warning that groups including ISIS-K continue to pose security challenges across Afghanistan and neighbouring regions.