Islamabad Welcomes US Mediation in Afghanistan Talks, Insists on Verifiable Action Against Militants

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated on Sunday that Islamabad welcomes initiatives by the United States or other friendly nations to facilitate dialogue with Afghanistan. However, officials emphasized that any talks must be grounded in a firm commitment from Kabul to take verifiable action against militant groups operating within its borders.

The Foreign Office’s statement followed remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed Washington’s readiness to play a “productive role” in de-escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. During the G-20 foreign ministers’ conference on Saturday, Rubio noted that the United States understands Pakistan’s concerns regarding cross-border militant attacks and does not wish to see the country suffer from acts of terrorism.

Tensions remain high between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of facilitating militant attacks against Pakistani law enforcement and civilians, a claim Afghanistan denies. These ongoing tensions have led to severe border clashes this year, including Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan cities such as Kabul.

“Pakistan would welcome sincere efforts by friendly countries, including the United States, to facilitate dialogue with Afghanistan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan told Independent Urdu.

Nevertheless, Khan stressed that meaningful negotiations require a clear commitment from Afghan authorities to take concrete, sustained, and verifiable action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army, and other terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil.

“Pakistan remains open to constructive engagement, provided it leads to tangible outcomes addressing our legitimate security concerns,” he added.

NORMAL RELATIONS

Separately, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information stated on Saturday that the Afghan government’s failure to address cross-border terrorism remains the primary obstacle to restoring normal relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

The ministry’s statement was a response to remarks by Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who claimed that mediation efforts by third parties and Kabul’s initiatives had failed to resolve tensions. Mujahid asserted to an Afghan media outlet that Islamabad lacks the necessary readiness to resolve disputes peacefully.

“The Taliban regime’s persistent refusal to address terrorism remains the principal obstacle to normal relations,” Pakistan’s information ministry asserted.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
31 October 2026

The Afghan Taliban spokesperson’s latest tweet exposes the regime’s deeply misguided approach and unwillingness to confront the root cause of deteriorating relations with Pakistan. The Taliban leadership continues to blame Islamabad’s policies while conveniently ignoring the single most important issue poisoning bilateral relations: its persistent failure to address terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.

Pakistan’s position is unequivocal: terrorism is a red line and the security of its citizens is non-negotiable. The Afghan Taliban regime must understand that Pakistan will not tolerate terrorist sanctuaries across its borders that impact its security nor allow its people to remain targets of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to eliminate threats to its national security, wherever they originate. Kabul must recognise that the responsibility for addressing these threats rests squarely with the Afghan Taliban regime. Pakistan’s resolve to protect its people must never be mistaken for weakness.

The Taliban regime’s persistent refusal to address terrorism remains the principal obstacle to normal relations. Shifting blame, making hollow assurances and questioning Pakistan’s policies will neither resolve the crisis nor absolve Kabul of its responsibilities. The Afghan Taliban leadership must understand that Pakistan’s security will not be held hostage to Afghan Taliban’s inaction, evasions or misplaced priorities.

— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) October 31, 2026

“Shifting blame, making hollow assurances and questioning Pakistan’s policies will neither resolve the crisis nor absolve Kabul of its responsibilities,” the ministry reiterated.

Pakistan reports that approximately 4,700 of its citizens have been killed over the past three years in militant attacks originating from Afghan territory, a figure Kabul denies.

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