for UN aid to Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has categorically stated that it is not engaged in anyform of contact with Israel, Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed duringthe weekly media briefing on Thursday. When asked about reports suggestingpossible outreach to Tel Aviv amid shifting Middle East dynamics, thespokesperson said the government’s long-standing policy on the matterremained unchanged and there were no official or unofficial channels ofcommunication with Israeli authorities.
In a separate development, foreign media reports indicated that a freshround of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks hosted by Saudi Arabia last weekendended without a major breakthrough. The discussions, held under Riyadh’smediation initiative, reportedly involved senior representatives fromPakistan’s military, Inter-Services Intelligence, and Foreign Officealongside Afghan officials. Both sides, however, agreed to uphold theexisting ceasefire along the border and committed to preventing escalation.The talks were described as part of continuing efforts to address mutualconcerns over cross-border movement and security.
On the humanitarian front, the government on Wednesday ordered theimmediate reopening of Torkham and Chaman border crossings for the transitof urgently needed relief supplies to Afghanistan. The decision followed adirect appeal from the United Nations highlighting severe shortages of foodand medicine across the border. Authorities said the crossings would remainopen exclusively for UN-verified humanitarian cargo in the initial phase.
The Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with the Foreign Office, issuedformal directives to customs authorities and the Federal Board of Revenueto facilitate smooth passage. Officials at Torkham confirmed receipt ofinstructions and said preparations were under way to process the firstconvoys carrying essential supplies. The move has been described as apurely humanitarian gesture and does not signal broader changes inbilateral trade policy, which remains suspended since tensions escalatedearlier this year.
Analysts view the limited reopening as a careful balancing act byIslamabad, aimed at addressing international humanitarian concerns whilemaintaining pressure on Kabul over security issues. The development comesagainst the backdrop of strained relations since the Taliban returned topower in 2021 and recurring clashes along the Durand Line.
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Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983765
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-reopens-key-border-crossings-afghanistan-aid-2025-12-04/
Tags: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Torkham, Foreign Office,United Nations
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