ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has suspended the Afghan transit trade until security conditions improve, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Friday, emphasising that “the lives of Pakistanis are more valuable than any trade goods.”

Addressing the weekly press briefing, Andrabi said Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan following the Doha talks, noting that no cross-border attacks have occurred since the negotiations.

He said the decision to suspend the trade came after repeated attacks by militants from across the Afghan border targeting trade routes. “The situation changed after terrorists from Afghan soil carried out attacks in Pakistan, resulting in the killing of innocent Pakistanis,” he said.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson reiterated that the security of Pakistani citizens remains the government’s top priority. “Pakistani lives are more valuable than any commercial cargo,” he said, adding that trade will only resume once there are credible assurances of safety.

Andrabi urged the Afghan interim authorities to ensure that their territory is not used for sponsoring or facilitating terrorism against Pakistan. “Our message is clear — these attacks must stop, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” he said.

Commenting on other developments, he said the details regarding Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Istanbul talks were still being finalised.

On Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Islamabad, Andrabi said both sides held delegation-level talks, signed several memorandums of understanding, and agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.

Turning to the Middle East, the spokesperson condemned the recent Israeli parliamentary legislation, calling it a violation of international law. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.