Pakistan Rejects Reports of Saudi-Based Talks With Afghanistan

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday rejected media reports claiming that Pakistan and Afghanistan held negotiation rounds in Saudi Arabia. Responding to Reuters’ recent story, FO spokesperson Tahir Hassan Andarabi said that the government has no information regarding any such talks.

The spokesperson stressed that the Pakistan–Afghanistan border will not be reopened until the Afghan authorities provide clear and verifiable guarantees that terrorists will not infiltrate into Pakistan.

He added that the issue is not limited to TTP or TTA alone, but Afghan nationals have also been involved in serious crimes inside Pakistan.

“The border situation must be understood in this security context,”
said the FO.

The spokesperson clarified that Pakistan holds no dispute with the people of Afghanistan, calling them “brothers,” but emphasized that border restrictions are strictly due to security concerns. Pakistan, he said, has always facilitated humanitarian corridors for Afghan civilians.

He reiterated that border policy is tied to practical cooperation from the Afghan side to prevent terrorism.

Speaking on other matters, Andarabi said the previously announced high-level Turkish delegation did not arrive due to scheduling issues or a lack of cooperation from Afghan authorities related to border security.

About Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, he said it was a bilateral matter between two sovereign states.

The FO expressed deep concern over the Indian government’s discriminatory treatment of Muslims, stating that state patronage is emboldening extremist groups.
On the eve of the 33rd anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition, the spokesperson said the incident remains a source of pain and concern and called for transparent accountability for all acts targeting Muslim religious heritage.

The FO also highlighted the recent visit of the Kyrgyz President to Pakistan, during which 15 MoUs were signed, and both sides agreed to raise bilateral trade to USD 200 million by 2027–28. Over 20 Kyrgyz companies and 80 Pakistani businessmen participated in the business forum.

He added that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met the Kyrgyz leadership and inaugurated the Islamabad Conclave during this diplomatic engagement.
Reuters earlier reported that Pakistan and Afghanistan held a third round of peace talks in Saudi Arabia—co-hosted by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar—focused on maintaining a ceasefire. According to the report, no major progress was achieved except for maintaining the existing ceasefire understanding.

Pakistan, however, maintains it has no knowledge of these talks.