Islamabad, Pakistan – The Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed that Islamabad’s demands of the Taliban remain unchanged, and that it continues to insist on a verifiable written guarantee from the Afghan government. Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Pakistan hopes to receive a clear message from Kabul soon, emphasizing that these demands remain a top priority in Pakistani foreign policy.
Andarabi noted that diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and India are a bilateral matter, and that Pakistan will not consider them a threat as long as Afghan territory is not used to support terrorist elements targeting Pakistan. However, he added that safeguarding Pakistan’s national security is paramount. Preventing the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan remains the core of his country’s demands of the Taliban.
Since the signing of previous agreements, Pakistan and the Taliban have held three rounds of negotiations in Qatar and Istanbul. A ceasefire was agreed upon in the first round. However, subsequent rounds have failed to produce a comprehensive agreement due to Pakistan’s insistence on written guarantees.
Within Afghanistan, economic and social crises persist. In Kandahar, food prices have soared due to increased taxes on imported goods and higher transportation costs. Residents and traders report that this situation is exacerbating the suffering of low-income families and increasing the risk of food insecurity.
Meanwhile, restrictions on women are escalating in Herat. Taliban members are forcing women off public transportation and imposing fines on drivers. In some areas, public floggings are being carried out against those accused of various offenses.
These developments reflect the ongoing political, economic, and social challenges in Afghanistan. Pakistan continues to closely monitor the situation, focusing on ensuring that Afghan territory is not used against its security and maintaining the stability of its borders.
