ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday welcomed but openly questioned the enforceability of a new religious decree issued by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities prohibiting Afghans from engaging in conflict beyond their borders, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a weekly press briefing.
“We will wait, see, and evaluate this document,” Andrabi told reporters, noting that he had not yet reviewed the draft.
“But certainly, we would require written assurances from the leadership of the Afghan Taliban regime on this issue.”
At least 1,000 Afghan religious scholars reportedly endorsed earlier this week the two-page decree, which calls on the Islamic Emirate not to permit anyone to leave Afghanistan for military activities. Andrabi said Pakistan’s skepticism is rooted in past commitments by the Taliban that “had not been fulfilled.”
“This is exactly why, during the talks held with the mediation efforts of our brotherly countries, Pakistan insisted on written assurances from the Afghan side,” he said.
Response to India
Turning to recent comments by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar against Pakistan Army, Andrabi dismissed the remarks as “baseless and irresponsible,” stressing that Pakistan’s institutions operate responsibly and in line with national security priorities.
“Pakistan is a responsible state and all its institutions, including the armed forces, are pillars of national security, dedicated to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” Andrabi said.
He referenced the May 2025 Pakistan-India clashes as evidence of what he called the “professionalism and resolve” of Pakistan’s military. “No amount of propaganda can belie this truth,” he added.
The spokesperson slammed Indian leaders for attempting to “defame Pakistan” as part of a campaign designed to divert attention from India’s own “destabilizing actions in the region.”
“This rhetoric exemplifies the extent of India’s disregard for amity, peace, and stability in the region,” he said, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to “co-existence, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
On Israel and Gaza
Addressing developments in the Middle East, Andrabi noted concerns raised by Islamic countries, including Pakistan, over Israel’s statement on opening the Rafah Crossing in one direction to facilitate the movement of Gaza residents into Egypt.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm opposition to “any attempt to expel Palestinians from their land,” and underscored the need to uphold previous international commitments related to Gaza.
Recalling the foreign minister’s earlier remarks, he called for sustaining the ceasefire, reducing civilian suffering, and enabling unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.
“The ministers affirm readiness to continue working and coordinating with the United States and all concerned regional and international parties to ensure the full implementation of UNSCR 2803 and all relevant UNSC resolutions,” Andrabi said.
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