Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that it hopes the people of Afghanistan will “be freed and have a truly democratic government,” in a statement that marked a notable shift in Islamabad’s tone toward the Taliban.
The ministry described the recent cross-border attacks on Pakistan as a coordinated operation involving the Afghan Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Baloch separatist groups. It referred to the “Taliban regime” a departure from previous official language that had labelled the group as the “interim government” or “government of Afghanistan.”
Islamabad warned that such attacks were intended to destabilise the Pakistan–Afghanistan border and undermine bilateral cooperation. “These actions are inconsistent with the principles of good neighbourly relations,” the statement said.
The ministry also responded to remarks made by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during a press conference in New Delhi, accusing him of attempting to divert attention from the continued presence of “terrorist groups” inside Afghanistan.
During the same press conference, Muttaqi had claimed that “a specific circle” within Pakistan’s military was seeking to damage relations between the two countries and said bilateral ties should not fall victim to its policies.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its concern over the activities of militant organisations operating from Afghan territory, saying it was closely monitoring the situation and warning that “any provocation or further action will be met with a strong response.”
The statement concluded by urging the Taliban to “act responsibly, honour its commitments, and play a constructive role in eradicating terrorism.”
