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Pakistan Rejects Taliban Recognition Claims, Seeks Action on Terror Havens
Pakistan dismisses reports of recognizing the Taliban as speculative. FO urges action on Afghan terror sanctuaries; talks ongoing on FM’s visit, refugees, Iran ties & India-Pak peace.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-24
Pakistan Rejects Taliban Recognition Claims, Seeks Action on Terror Havens

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has rejected speculation surrounding the formal recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, reiterating that the presence of terrorist sanctuaries across the border remains a persistent and serious concern.

In a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that “the news about recognizing the Taliban government is based on speculation,” and emphasized that discussions between Pakistan and the Afghan foreign ministry are ongoing to finalize dates for the Afghan Foreign Minister’s visit to Islamabad.

Khan stressed that the sanctuaries of terrorist groups operating from within Afghanistan are a constant threat to Pakistan’s security and continue to hinder regional peace efforts.

Refugee Policy Under Consideration

On the issue of Afghan refugees, the spokesperson said the deadline for the repatriation of registered Afghan refugees had expired on June 30. While proposals have been submitted to the government regarding an extension, no final decision has been made. He clarified that any decision regarding an extension or restriction would be taken by the Interior Ministry and relevant state institutions.

Security Cooperation with Afghanistan

Highlighting recent efforts in counter-terror cooperation, Khan described the Interior Minister’s visit to Afghanistan as “very important.” He revealed that detailed discussions were held with Afghan authorities regarding security, counter-terrorism efforts, and the extradition of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members. According to Khan, the Afghan leadership expressed a positive attitude toward addressing Pakistan’s concerns.

Technical-level security discussions between the two nations are ongoing, and both sides aim to build on the improving trajectory of bilateral ties, Khan added.

Iran Relations and Nuclear Diplomacy

Touching on Pakistan-Iran relations, Khan described them as “multifaceted and based on people-to-people contact.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for diplomatic efforts surrounding the Iran nuclear deal, emphasizing that the matter should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

He also clarified that the date of July 26, circulated for the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, was speculative. Finalized dates for the visit will be jointly announced by the two governments.

India Relations and Regional Stability

Responding to questions about relations with India, the Foreign Office stated that peace between the two nuclear neighbors can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue. Khan said Pakistan remains open to negotiations on all issues, including Kashmir, and reaffirmed the country’s confidence in its defense capabilities.

He criticized India’s delaying tactics as a major hurdle in resolving longstanding disputes, adding that no formal mediation proposal from the U.S. has been received.

Ishaq Dar’s US Visit and Global Diplomacy

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is currently in the United States on a high-level diplomatic visit. According to the spokesperson, Dar raised the issue of Gaza and Palestine at the United Nations Security Council and is participating in discussions on Middle East tensions.

He is also scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where a wide range of topics — including bilateral relations, regional peace, the ceasefire in Gaza, and Pakistan-India tensions — will be discussed.

While acknowledging the support of friendly nations such as the U.S., Khan stressed that Pakistan cannot comment on how India perceives such developments, noting that India’s stance often ignores the ground realities of the region.

 
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PakistanForeignPolicy

TalibanRecognition

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