ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed the commencement of talks between Islamabad and Kabul, emphasizing that the onus for tangible progress lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.
Pakistan has never shied away from dialogue on this issue, and we remain engaged with China on this issue, said Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi at his weekly media briefing on Thursday.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan has sent its delegation to Ürümqi, China, as part of the Trilateral Counter Terrorism Cooperation Mechanism in line with its consistent position and longstanding practice of supporting credible processes that can help achieve a durable solution to sanctuaries and stop cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan. “Our participation is a reiteration of our core concerns. Pakistan is holding talks with Afghanistan to end the current conflict between the two neighbours, but Kabul must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions”, he pointed out.
The junior officials’ level talks were held in Urumqi on Wednesday, but nothing has come out of it so far, Andrabi added.
‘’As I said, our delegation is probably still in Urumqi or on the way back. Once they come back, we will get a readout of this meeting and let you know.’’
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said that there has never been an instance where US-Iran talks were “scheduled and collapsed”. So, this has never happened. Second, the schedule of these talks depends on the parties concerned. They have to come to the table, and it is for them to decide on the time.
Andrabi remarked, ‘’Our efforts for peace are comprehensive. It is not about one aspect of the crisis only, whether we want to focus on the waterways, on the maritime routes, on the humanitarian issues, etc. Our efforts are wholesome and comprehensive. Of course, we are part of this initiative where some easement in the right of passage through these 20 ships has been provided.” This issue is amongst the priorities for many countries and is part of our talking points on the Gulf situation, he added.
Spokesperson said the five points have received appreciation from across the region and beyond.
To a question, he said, ‘’We have a certain satisfaction that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate these talks. As we said, we will be honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in the coming days for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict.” Pakistan has a very important relationship with the United States. We have remained actively engaged with the US leadership on our efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful settlement of this conflict, he added.
With regards to the visit of the US Vice President or the likely US delegation for these talks, which can take place in Islamabad, the spokesperson responded, ‘’I have no information. It is up to the parties to determine the members of their delegations, as well as the dates of the talks, because obviously our role in this context is as a facilitator. It is up to the relevant parties to determine the members of their delegations or the timings of these talks.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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