ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has categorically stated that a three-member delegation recently visiting Kabul did not represent the government and undertook the trip in a personal capacity.
The clarification came during a press briefing on Thursday by Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, who addressed reports circulating about the delegation’s engagement with Taliban authorities.
Andrabi emphasized that the individuals involved are respected religious figures, but their travel and discussions were not organized or authorized by Islamabad.
Sources in Kabul had earlier identified the delegation members as Maulana Fazlur Rahman Khalil, Maulana Abdullah Shah Mazhar, and Maulana Sajid Usman, prominent clerics with long-standing ties to jihadist networks.
The reported purpose of the visit was to explore avenues for reducing heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent military clashes.
This development occurs against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations, marked by cross-border strikes and accusations of harboring militants.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban regime of allowing groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory, launching attacks inside Pakistan.
Andrabi reiterated that Islamabad’s policy toward Afghanistan remains unchanged, with no guarantees received from the Taliban to halt such militant activities.
He pointed to evidence compiled by the United Nations supporting Pakistan’s claims regarding the use of Afghan soil for anti-Pakistan operations.
The spokesperson highlighted ongoing security concerns, stressing Islamabad’s expectation that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten Pakistan’s stability.
Pakistan demands concrete and effective action against militant outfits conducting cross-border attacks, he added.
Responding to a recent warning from the Taliban defence minister that Pakistan could face targeting if Afghanistan were attacked, Andrabi noted that Pakistan is already enduring such assaults.
He described the situation as one where militant groups exploit Afghan sanctuaries to strike Pakistani targets.
Border crossings between the two countries continue to remain closed, with no fresh decision taken on their reopening, Andrabi confirmed.
The delegation’s visit has drawn attention due to the profiles of its members, particularly Maulana Fazlur Rahman Khalil, a veteran figure associated with militant groups during the Afghan jihad era.
Khalil, founder of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, has historical links to various jihadist causes and was once designated a global terrorist by the United States.
Despite his background, the Foreign Ministry distanced the government from any involvement, framing the trip as a private initiative by religious scholars.
This unofficial outreach contrasts with the official stance of firm security measures against threats from across the border.
Tensions escalated dramatically in late February when exchanges of airstrikes and ground clashes turned into what Pakistani officials termed an “open war” phase.
Pakistan conducted targeted operations in response to militant attacks, while the Taliban launched retaliatory actions along the Durand Line.
The conflict has included strikes on major Afghan cities, raising fears of prolonged instability in the region.
International observers, including the European Union, have urged the Taliban to prevent Afghan territory from being used by militant groups targeting Pakistan.
Pakistan maintains that verifiable mechanisms are essential to ensure compliance and prevent further loss of life.
The border closure has compounded economic hardships for communities on both sides reliant on trade.
Andrabi’s briefing underscored Pakistan’s consistent position: dialogue is possible, but only if accompanied by tangible steps to eliminate terrorist safe havens.
No official channels have indicated immediate plans for formal talks mediated by third parties, though past efforts involving countries like Turkiye have been attempted.
The unofficial delegation’s engagement highlights the complex interplay of religious networks in attempting informal diplomacy amid official impasse.
Whether such private initiatives can influence the trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain, given the depth of mutual distrust.
Pakistan continues to prioritize its national security, insisting on accountability from Kabul to curb cross-border terrorism.
The situation underscores the challenges in stabilizing the region, where historical alliances have given way to adversarial postures.