Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi says talks with Afghan Taliban regime commenced in Istanbul yesterday with the presence and participation of mediators. Speaking at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad this afternoon, he said Pakistani delegation has handed over its evidence-based justified and logical demands to the mediators with singular aim to put an end to cross-border terrorism.
According to Radio Pakistan, the mediators fully endorsed Pakistan’s stance on the basis of the evidence provided by Islamabad as well as by the tenets of international law and principles. The mediators are discussing Pakistan’s demands with the Afghan Taliban delegation point by point. Tahir Hussain Andrabi emphasized that any other information being circulated on social media, particularly from Afghan handlers or Afghan accounts, is either pure speculation or deliberate disinformation, urging the public to disregard such false information.
Addressing claims of disinformation from India, the Spokesperson categorically rejected the allegations that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into Pakistan. He described these claims as baseless and an attempt by India to distort facts, noting that Pakistan issued over 2,400 visas to Indian pilgrims, mostly Sikh, to participate in celebrations marking Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary. A total of 1,933 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagha border, while approximately 300 pilgrims with legitimate visas were denied entry by Indian authorities.
The Spokesperson clarified that the immigration process on Pakistan’s side was smooth and orderly, with only a few individuals with incomplete documents being asked to return to the Indian side. He asserted that these individuals would be allowed entry upon completion of their documents, and dismissed suggestions that entry was denied on religious grounds as inaccurate.
Tahir Hussain Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to welcoming pilgrims of all faiths, condemning any attempts to politicize or communalize the issue. He criticized the prejudicial mindset in Indian government and media narratives and called for the international community, including the United Nations and the United States, to take notice of India’s war mongering and urge it to act as a responsible nation.
Responding to questions, he stressed Pakistan’s demand that the Afghan Taliban regime prevent infiltrators from operating from Afghan soil. He assured that Pakistan’s military preparedness is robust, with the armed forces, political leadership, and the public ready to defend the country’s sovereignty against Indian aggression.
Lastly, Tahir Hussain Andrabi expressed deep sorrow over the devastating earthquake in northern Afghanistan, offering prayers for swift recovery and condolences to affected families and the Afghan people.