The spokesperson for the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, conveyed on Monday that Pakistan is surprised with the statements of the senior Afghan officials over the issue of the border closure as things are very much clear with them. She further said that Pakistan is actively pursuing the eradication of banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts within Afghanistan.
During an interview on the ARY News program 'Khabar,' Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that it is premature to label the ongoing talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan as unsuccessful. Baloch clarified that negotiations with the Afghan government are ongoing, during which Pakistan has shared its concerns.
Baloch highlighted that Pakistan took the step of temporarily closing its border with Afghanistan following evidence of incidents in the border areas, particularly Chitral, on September 6. She stressed that Pakistan's top priority is the nation's security, and the border closure aims to prevent cross-border terrorist attacks. Baloch also mentioned that the reopening of the Torkham border cannot be determined with certainty at this time.
In reference to a UN report indicating the presence of TTP leaders in Afghanistan, Ms. Baloch noted that improved relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan hinge upon the elimination of TTP hideouts in Afghanistan. She also recalled a tripartite agreement involving Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan, which pledged that Afghan territory would not be used against Pakistan, expressing optimism that dialogue could resolve outstanding issues.
Responding to a question about Pakistan's historical ties with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch did not confirm the arrival of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Pakistan.
In response to a statement from the Afghan government regarding the Torkham border closure, the FO emphasized the importance of respecting territorial integrity and preventing Afghan soil from being used for militant attacks in Pakistan. Baloch expressed surprise at the Afghan foreign ministry's statement, stating that the interim Afghan authorities are well aware of the reasons for the temporary border closure.
Pakistan stressed its commitment to facilitating Afghan transit trade over the past several decades but asserted that it cannot allow the misuse of the agreement. Baloch also underlined that Pakistan could not accept the construction of any structures by the interim Afghan government within its territory, as it would violate Pakistan's sovereignty