Islamabad: The Foreign Office has confirmed that talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban began in Istanbul on Tuesday under the presence and supervision of mediators.
In a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andarabi said, “Negotiations are underway in Istanbul under the observation of mediators. We cannot comment until the talks conclude. Pakistan’s stance is simple — Afghanistan must take decisive action against the Khawarij elements.”
He informed that Additional Secretary Syed Ali Asad Gilani is representing Pakistan in the talks, alongside National Security Adviser and DG ISI Asim Malik. “The Pakistani delegation has shared logical and evidence-based information with the mediators. Our demands are straightforward, factual, and fully substantiated,” the spokesperson added.
He refrained from further comment, saying the government would issue a statement only after the conclusion of the talks.
The spokesperson also expressed condolences over the loss of lives and property in the recent devastating earthquake in northern Afghanistan.
Clarification on Indian Media Reports
Andarabi strongly rejected Indian media reports alleging that Hindu pilgrims were denied entry into Pakistan. “Pakistan categorically rejects these baseless and misleading claims,” he said. “India’s allegations are contrary to facts. Pakistan issued over 2,400 visas to Hindu pilgrims, and only a few individuals were asked to return due to incomplete documentation. They will be granted visas once their papers are complete.”
He clarified that most of the pilgrims arriving for Baba Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary celebrations were from the Sikh community, along with followers of other faiths. “On November 4, more than 1,900 pilgrims entered Pakistan through the Attari–Wagah border,” he added.
Comment on Pakistan’s Air Force and Regional Security
Responding to questions on military matters, the spokesperson said:
“Our brave Air Force’s record of downing enemy aircraft is part of history. We stand by our stated count of Indian aircraft shot down. Despite India’s larger force, Pakistan’s Air Force has consistently demonstrated superior readiness and capability. We remain committed to protecting our people and territory.”
He added that India had sought a ceasefire request from the U.S. President, whose stance on de-escalation was “significant and noted.”
Updates on Diplomatic Engagements
The spokesperson also shared updates on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Azerbaijan, where he is attending Victory Day celebrations in Baku.
He said that President Asif Ali Zardari recently concluded a successful visit to Qatar, where he raised concerns about India’s violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming them a threat to regional stability. The President also held several sideline meetings with international leaders during the visit.
Andarabi further informed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Türkiye on the invitation of his Turkish counterpart to attend a meeting of Muslim-majority countries on the situation in Gaza.
“In the meeting, Pakistan condemned Israeli aggression and called for unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza,” he said, adding that Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Ishaq Dar also met the Turkish Foreign Minister, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan–Türkiye relations.
Upon returning from Türkiye, Ishaq Dar also participated in the Google Chrome Summit and held a telephonic conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to discuss bilateral cooperation.