ISLAMABAD: Pakistan being “cautiously optimistic”, sees the ongoing dialogue in Istanbul between Pakistan and Afghanistan as one where substantive discussions took place.
All issues were discussed, with the deliberations comprehensive and all encompassing; as they move to the next stage, with fresh dialogue to be held on November 6.
Most important, Afghanistan during the dialogue acknowledged presence of Fitna Al Khwarij and Fitna Al Hindustan (TTP, BLA) on their soil.
“If subsequent round is conclusive, we would be able to give you a comprehensive overview of what transpired during those talks. The discussions are on a positive trajectory. As a diplomat, one needs to be optimistic. These are very delicate talks. The topic is very difficult. It is challenging to be part of this process, but it also requires a degree of optimism, and I think we are entitled to be optimistic for subsequent round”, said spokesperson at Foreign Office.
He was commenting for the first time on Pak-Afghan dialogue which held it first round earlier in Doha.
To a query, spokesperson remarked these talks held in Istanbul were of a delicate nature and it was not possible for Foreign Office to issue a minute-by-minute commentary during the course of negotiations.
“Therefore, as Foreign Ministry, we have the right to remain guarded. We exercised our right. The delegation that participated in Istanbul talks was representative. It included all stakeholders and incorporated input from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their deliberation”, he said.
The spokesperson did not agree the statement released by Foreign Ministry of Türkiye was not reflective of Pakistan’s position.“The statement was a kind of a covering note on talks that were held. It was not supposed to list the details. The statement was by host Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so it should be read as a preface to a book rather than as book itself”, he explained.
When questioned on seeking guarantees from Afghan Taliban regime by Pakistan, he said this is an ongoing process.
“Substantive issues were discussed during the talks which have proceeded to next round. We take this as a continuum. It is very difficult to pass a single line verdict on Istanbul talks exclusively, particularly on the question on written assurances are a part of discussions is an ongoing process”, he said.
“Let’s move into next round, which is on 6th November and see how far we can achieve progress on all substantive points, including written assurances”, he suggested.
To another query, spokesperson said Foreign Office was no defensive in the present situation when both countries have conducted strikes against each other.
“I do not think we were defensive or I gave the impression to this effect. Declaring War or making peace is the basic work of Foreign Office. If my memory of Secretariat Instructions and Government Rules of Procedure is correct, Foreign Office is central to carrying out instructions of Prime Minister and Federal Cabinet on war and peace”, he explained.
In this regard Istanbul talks took place with full engagement from Foreign Office. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister gave guidance on numerous occasions. Foreign Secretary and Afghanistan Division were also engaged.
“We need to dispel this impression there is some sort of fragmentation in our government apparatus. This was the whole of stakeholders’ engagement in Istanbul talks and it would continue to be so for next round”, he asserted.
Pakistan is in no hurry to open up its borders with Afghanistan and it remains closed for trade for now.
“The opening of border for Afghan transit trade would depend on evaluation of security situation, and clearly that evaluation still warrants closure of border. So, the border continues to remain closed till otherwise informed. Our embassy (in Kabul) is working on this issue (of stranded Pakistanis). Many of these traders and businessmen have the option of leaving Afghanistan by transit flights. Exactly, how much is their number and how many are willing to come back or cannot afford to come back through transit, air routes, I do not know”, he added.
To a query on why there was no written agreement issued from Istanbul at the conclusion of second round of dialogue, spokesperson said if the talks had concluded, if there was no announcement the talks will continue on 6th November, then perhaps there could be an assessment that there was no written agreement. Since talks continue to next round, let us not reach a final verdict”, he said.
On the issue of TTP and BLA being raised in the talks, spokesperson stepped back and said, “It is not for him to comment on what transpired in the talks, but clearly Afghan Taliban regime acknowledged presence of Fitna Al Khwarij and Fitna Al Hindustan on their soil.
“They offer various justifications for their presence and also on the reasons why they cannot take action against them. But as far as the acknowledgement of their physical presence in Afghanistan is concerned, they agreed to it”.
The spokesperson appeared to be unclear as to who would represent Pakistan on November 6 in Istanbul, saying the principal interlocutor, at one level, could be representation at political level, as it was in Doha.
“However, this should not be seen as a confirmation as to who will head Pakistani delegation for 6th November talks. Principal interlocutor would imply representation at a senior level, possibly at political level. I am not aware of a decision has been taken as to who would be leading the talks from our side, but presumably it will be at a political level”, he added.
Pakistan notes the ceasefire with Afghanistan holds for now, and it has taken assurances given by Afghan Taliban regime on ceasefire, while hoping ceasefire will be respected.
“With regard to determining violation of ceasefire, our local commanders who are there at the border and our military would evaluate all potential attacks, and it is for them to determine what constitutes a violation of ceasefire. As regard penalty of violation of ceasefire, I refer to my opening statement in case of any provocation, we would respond resolutely”, he said.
When asked why Foreign Office appeared optimistic as the Pak-Afghan talks continue, he responded, “Well, the degree of optimism, I think you can judge. I would not rate my optimism to be excessive. I think it is a guarded optimism. We have been engaged with Taliban for the last four years, so it is very difficult to be excessively optimistic. I think it is a professional hazard in diplomacy to have some optimism. So as to what level of optimism do I have? I leave it to your judgment, but I think it is a guarded optimism”. Pakistan has taken strong exception to a statement by Afghan Embassy in Islamabad regarding stranded Afghan refugees who are unable to return with the borders closed.
“I have also seen the post on X. It is obviously a breach of diplomatic protocols - Let there be no doubt about it. We also take exception to the content of his post, because it is devoid of facts. If you recall, following the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Kabul, a 24/7 hotline on complaints on refugees under Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) was activated.
This is an active complaint hotline, he said. The Taliban regime’s representative could have also taken it up with Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “So, there are multiple forums where this issue could have been addressed. But, he chose to go to public on this, which is a breach of diplomatic protocol”, he said.
To another query, the spokesperson said India would not be happy towards any positive developments with respect to Afghanistan - Pakistan relations. “So how far or to what degree India is unhappy about it is not for me to determine. One cannot care much about what India thinks on that issue. We have taken note of military exercise that India is undertaking”, he said.
The spokesman said Pakistan is aware of India issuing a NOTAM extending till 10th of November. Pakistan is carefully monitoring it. Our armed forces are seized of the matter.
He said any misadventure by India will be tackled with a quid pro quo plus response. “We have assured it before and we can assure it again”, he said.
Commenting on whether Pakistan would send troops to International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, the Spokesperson said, “This is another important question”.
“The talk on International Stabilisation Force started when Gaza peace initiative was announced. Now we understand the discussion is taking place between stakeholders, particularly US, neighbouring or regional countries. Pakistan will continue to work with all Arab and non-Arab Islamic countries with regards to mandate of International Stabilization Force. Our primary goal remains lasting peace in the region, an end to plight of Palestinians and realisation of their right to self-determination”, he said.
Muhammad Saleh Zaafir adds: To a query, FO spokesperson Andrabi Sahib said US-India ten-year defense framework agreement is a very recent development. “We are evaluating the agreement, particularly with reference to its impact on peace, security and stability in South Asia”.
Commenting on the waiver extension by the United States of six months for Chahbahr port of Iran to India for its use, Andrabi reminded Pakistan warns India not use or abuse this opening to promote terrorism, subversion, particularly terrorism and subversion of Fitna Al Hindustan, into Pakistan through adjacent borders.
“India has promoted cross border terrorism from this area into Pakistan in the past. It must desist in doing so in the future”, he warned.
The spokesman said Pakistan has taken note of extension provided to Iran and wants to make it clear, “We welcome any decision that leads to economic development and improvement of trade and businesses prospects in our brotherly country of Iran”. “The decision by US to grant six-month waiver is a sovereign decision of United States. It is Washington that had in place measures to impose sanctions; it is for United States to give waiver”, he said.