Pakistan snubs Taliban’s ‘pretence of dialogue’

Islamabad, Pakistan - The Pakistani government responded to the Afghan Taliban's call for dialogue, asserting that they have consistently sought constructive engagement with the militant group, but will not tolerate their "pretence of dialogue" to protect Pakistan from threats. The Information Ministry addressed Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid's recent comments, where he stated that Afghanistan sought dialogue with Pakistan and advocated for enhanced intelligence-sharing and cooperation.

He also welcomed a greater role for Saudi Arabia in mediating between Kabul and Islamabad, noting the Kingdom's friendship with both nations and its potential positive impact on resolving their differences. Pakistan firmly rejected Kabul's warning of "retaliatory action" if Islamabad conducted military operations within Afghanistan, insisting that the Taliban regime should dismantle terrorist networks operating from its territory rather than "shifting blame."

During the interview, Mujahid threatened Pakistan against executing military actions inside Afghanistan and warned Kabul would defend its sovereignty against any such aggression. Rejecting Islamabad's claim that Afghan soil was utilized by militant groups to launch attacks within Pakistan, Taliban spokesperson denied the assertion and threatened a "disastrous response" to any violation of Afghan sovereignty.

Pakistan emphasized its "determination and capacity" to eliminate terrorist threats and take all necessary steps in line with international law to safeguard its citizens, territory, and sovereignty. The ministry also connected the Taliban's warning to the deadly terrorist attack on civilians and police officials attending Friday prayers in Kohat, condemning the barbaric attack and branding the attackers as "the vilest of Khwarij with origins in Afghanistan."

It further stated that the presence of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan, along with their recruitment and support infrastructure, directly threatens Pakistan's security. Pakistan reiterated the need for the Taliban to dismantle these networks instead of "passing responsibility." The ministry also rejected Mujahid's claim that Kabul does not permit the TTP to operate within Afghan territory or aid armed groups targeting other nations, stating that the Afghan Taliban have commitments under the Doha Agreement to prevent Afghan territory from being exploited to threaten other countries.

Despite the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs' condemnation of the Kohat attack and expression of sympathies for the victims' families, Pakistan deplored the absence of a mention of terrorism in the statement. The ministry urged the Taliban to take "credible, verifiable, and sustained measures" to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries, disrupt recruitment and training networks, and demonstrate concrete action.