Pakistan has said it is prepared to reopen its borders with Afghanistan and use the neighboring country as a trade and connectivity hub, provided that what it describes as terrorism originating from Afghan territory is completely stopped.
Speaking at the Foreign Office’s weekly briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan wants to maintain economic and regional connectivity with Afghanistan but considers security a key condition for progress.
“Pakistan is ready to open borders with Afghanistan and use the neighbouring country as a trade hub and connectivity, but terrorism has to be stopped completely from the Afghan side,” the spokesperson said.
He added that the responsibility for taking further action now rests with the Afghan side.
The Pakistani official also referred to mediation efforts involving China, Turkey and Qatar, saying that these efforts had so far not produced the desired results because, according to Pakistan, Afghanistan has not been willing to cooperate.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained over security concerns, particularly Islamabad’s allegations that militant groups are operating from Afghan territory and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. Afghan authorities have repeatedly rejected accusations that Afghanistan is being used against neighboring countries.
Despite the tensions, Pakistan has emphasized the importance of trade and regional connectivity with Afghanistan. Islamabad has also continued to discuss security and border issues through diplomatic channels.
The latest comments indicate that Pakistan links the reopening of border crossings and expanded economic engagement with progress on security concerns. Further developments will depend on discussions between the two sides and ongoing regional diplomatic efforts.