Pakistan says no policy shift on Afghanistan as counterterror operation continues

Pakistan has clarified that ongoing diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan under a trilateral framework with China does not represent any change in Islamabad’s security posture, with Operation Ghazab Lil Haq continuing without interruption.

At a weekly briefing in Islamabad, Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan’s current participation in talks in Ürümqi remains fully aligned with long standing concerns over cross border militancy and the use of Afghan territory by armed groups targeting Pakistan.

He stressed that security operations remain active and that recent counterterror actions by Pakistani forces confirm there has been no operational pause.

According to the Foreign Office, the discussions are taking place under the Trilateral Counterterrorism Cooperation Mechanism involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China.

Pakistan says the purpose of the mechanism is to pursue credible cooperation against militant sanctuaries and improve regional security coordination.

Officials in Islamabad maintain that meaningful progress depends on visible and verifiable action from Afghan authorities against groups operating from Afghan soil.

The spokesperson said statements from Kabul expressing willingness for cooperation are being noted, but Pakistan expects written and practical guarantees rather than verbal assurances alone.

He also referred to earlier commitments made during previous international understandings, saying Pakistan remains cautious because past promises were not fully implemented.

Pakistan described the Ürümqi talks as working level consultations involving senior officials, while final outcomes are expected after the delegation returns.

On broader diplomacy, Islamabad also highlighted support for its recently presented regional peace initiative, which has received positive attention from several international partners.

Officials noted that consultations involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt share similar goals focused on conflict reduction and dialogue.

The Foreign Office rejected suggestions that Pakistan is trying to pressure Iran, saying relations with Tehran remain constructive and based on mutual respect.

Officials also dismissed speculation that visiting delegations had security concerns about Islamabad, stating that the capital remains secure for diplomatic engagement.

Pakistan’s current position indicates that dialogue and security operations will continue side by side as Islamabad seeks both immediate protection and longer term regional stability.

Courtesy: The Express Tribune