Summary:
- Pakistan urges Afghanistan to avoid unprovoked actions at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after recent clashes.
- The Foreign Office confirms no ongoing talks with India regarding the resumption of bilateral trade.
- Pakistan condemns human rights violations in Kashmir and the storming of Al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli settlers.
Amid escalating tensions at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the Foreign Office (FO) in Islamabad has called on Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim government to exercise restraint and refrain from unprovoked actions. This plea comes in the wake of recent clashes between border forces of the two nations near the Torkham border crossing. The cross-border exchange of heavy fire led to the temporary closure of the border, halting all movement.
Speaking at a weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed concern over the incident, stating, “The recent incident was very unfortunate when on the 12th of August, Afghan forces opened indiscriminate fire at the Torkham border.” She emphasized that Pakistani forces responded appropriately in self-defense and called on Afghan authorities to understand that Pakistan will always defend its territory.
Baloch also highlighted the importance of resolving misunderstandings through diplomatic channels, underscoring the multifaceted and historic relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. She noted that this relationship should not be viewed narrowly and urged the Afghan government to take effective action against terrorist hideouts within their borders, which Pakistan has consistently raised concerns about.
In response to a separate query about relations with India, the FO spokesperson clarified that no discussions are currently underway for the resumption of bilateral trade. She reiterated that Pakistan had suspended trade with India following its unilateral actions in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, and that this situation remains unchanged. Baloch strongly condemned the recent killing of four Kashmiri youth by Indian forces in Doda district, describing it as part of India’s ongoing oppressive measures in the region. She called on the international community to hold India accountable for its human rights violations in Kashmir.
Addressing other international issues, Baloch dismissed allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in the potential ouster of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, affirming that Pakistan believes in the capacity of the Bangladeshi people to determine their own future. She also condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa mosque by extremist settlers led by Israeli officials, calling it a violation of the Geneva Convention and a blatant disregard of UN Security Council resolutions. Baloch urged the international community, especially the UN, to take immediate action to protect the sanctity of holy sites in Jerusalem and ensure the freedom of worship for Palestinians.
Through her remarks, Baloch highlighted Pakistan’s stance on several key regional and international issues, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defending its interests while calling for peaceful resolutions through diplomatic means.
