Pakistan hopes for positive outcome of next round of talks with Kabul: FO Azad News HD
Pakistan Hopes for ‘Positive Outcome’ in Upcoming Talks with Afghan Taliban: FO Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi
In a statement that reflects Pakistan’s cautious optimism amid persistent regional instability, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said on Friday that Islamabad is hopeful for a “positive outcome” in the next round of talks with the Afghan Taliban, scheduled to begin on November 6. The announcement marks another chapter in the complex and often turbulent relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan — two neighbors whose shared history, ethnic ties, and intertwined security concerns continue to define the geopolitics of South and Central Asia.
The statement, delivered during the FO’s weekly press briefing in Islamabad, comes at a time of heightened regional tension, renewed border skirmishes, and mounting security threats along the Durand Line, the disputed frontier separating the two countries. Pakistan’s diplomatic overture signals a desire for de-escalation and constructive engagement with the Taliban regime, which has struggled to achieve international recognition since taking power in Kabul in August 2021.
Background: A Relationship of Strategic Complexity
Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan has been marked by decades of mutual suspicion and strategic dependence. While Islamabad has historically played a key role in facilitating peace efforts in Afghanistan — including hosting rounds of talks between the Taliban and international stakeholders — the post-2021 era has tested the bilateral relationship in new ways.
Following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban’s return to power was initially met with cautious optimism in Pakistan. Many policymakers in Islamabad believed that a stable Taliban-led Afghanistan could reduce cross-border militancy and create opportunities for regional connectivity projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) extensions into Central Asia.
However, those hopes were soon overshadowed by a surge in cross-border terrorist attacks allegedly perpetrated by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a banned militant group that Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban of sheltering. The resurgence of the TTP — responsible for dozens of deadly attacks across Pakistan — has become the single largest irritant in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
Pakistan’s Position: Seeking Cooperation, Not Confrontation
In his remarks, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi reaffirmed that Pakistan’s approach remains grounded in dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect. “We hope that the upcoming talks will lead to a constructive and positive outcome,” Andrabi stated, emphasizing Islamabad’s preference for peaceful resolution over confrontation.
He added that Pakistan continues to engage with the Afghan authorities “through diplomatic and security channels” to address concerns related to terrorism, border management, trade facilitation, and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
“Our primary objective,” Andrabi said, “is to promote peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of both countries. The challenges we face are shared, and the solutions must be collaborative.”
Diplomatic sources suggest that the November 6 talks will focus on four key areas:
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Counterterrorism cooperation, particularly concerning TTP sanctuaries.
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Border security and management, including fencing and cross-border transit.
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Trade and connectivity, with an emphasis on increasing bilateral commerce.
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Humanitarian engagement, ensuring support for Afghan civilians amid economic collapse.
The Foreign Office spokesperson also underscored that Pakistan’s outreach is in line with its broader regional vision of “peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.”
The Afghan Perspective: Mutual Distrust and Strategic Calculations
While Islamabad hopes for a productive dialogue, the Afghan Taliban’s position remains uncertain. Kabul’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund and overseen by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has repeatedly rejected Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan soil is being used for terrorism against its neighbor.
Instead, Taliban officials have accused Pakistan of “externalizing its internal problems” and have demanded greater respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The border region — particularly areas such as Kunar, Nangarhar, and Paktika provinces — has become a flashpoint for tensions, with both sides exchanging blame for recent skirmishes.
Despite these tensions, sources within Kabul indicate that the Taliban leadership remains open to engagement with Pakistan due to Afghanistan’s dire economic circumstances and its dependence on cross-border trade routes. With the country still facing international isolation, limited banking access, and severe humanitarian crises, maintaining functional ties with Pakistan is vital for Afghanistan’s survival.
Regional Context: The Broader Strategic Picture
The upcoming talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban cannot be viewed in isolation. They are part of a larger regional power dynamic involving multiple stakeholders — including China, Iran, Russia, and the United States — each with distinct interests in Afghanistan’s stability.
China’s Role
China, through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), views Afghanistan as a potential transit hub linking South and Central Asia. Beijing has actively encouraged Pakistan and the Taliban to maintain peace, as instability in the region threatens Chinese investments, particularly those related to CPEC and mineral extraction projects in Afghanistan. Beijing’s quiet diplomacy has also focused on curbing extremist spillover into its Xinjiang province.
Iran and Russia’s Position
Iran, sharing a long border with Afghanistan, remains wary of Taliban influence but recognizes the need for engagement. Tehran has advocated for inclusive governance in Kabul while maintaining trade relations. Similarly, Russia has called for stability, fearing that a resurgence of terrorism in Afghanistan could destabilize Central Asia — a region within Moscow’s strategic orbit.
United States and Western Interests
Although the United States withdrew militarily in 2021, Washington continues to monitor Afghanistan’s situation closely, particularly concerning terrorism and human rights. The US remains cautious about Pakistan’s evolving relationship with the Taliban but supports initiatives that aim to reduce regional terrorism risks.
The Security Dilemma: TTP and Cross-Border Terrorism
The central obstacle in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations remains the presence of TTP militants inside Afghan territory. Islamabad claims that hundreds of TTP operatives use Afghanistan as a safe haven to plan and execute attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies have presented evidence of cross-border coordination among TTP factions. The group, led by Noor Wali Mehsud, has intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The Pakistani government maintains that the Afghan Taliban has a moral and political obligation to prevent the use of its soil for terrorism.
For Kabul, however, the issue is more complicated. The Taliban leadership has been reluctant to confront the TTP directly, partly due to ideological alignment and historical kinship. Many within the Afghan Taliban view the TTP as their “brothers in faith” rather than adversaries, making Pakistan’s demands politically sensitive.
The November 6 talks are therefore expected to include strong discussions on mechanisms to curb TTP cross-border movement, including intelligence sharing, patrol coordination, and the establishment of joint security committees.
Economic Dimension: Trade and Connectivity
While security dominates headlines, both sides recognize the economic interdependence that binds them. Afghanistan remains a landlocked country heavily reliant on Pakistan for access to global markets. Pakistan, meanwhile, views Afghanistan as a gateway to Central Asia, a region rich in energy resources and trade potential.
Bilateral trade, which once exceeded $2 billion annually, has suffered due to political tensions, logistical bottlenecks, and tariff disputes. The upcoming talks are expected to address trade facilitation measures such as simplified border crossings, reduced customs duties, and the revival of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA).
Moreover, Pakistan aims to include Afghanistan in regional energy projects such as the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline and CASA-1000, which aims to supply surplus hydroelectricity from Central Asia to South Asia.
FO spokesperson Andrabi highlighted that “economic engagement is key to achieving lasting stability,” noting that Pakistan has proposed the creation of joint economic zones along border areas to promote employment and local trade.
Humanitarian and Social Cooperation
Pakistan has long been a key humanitarian supporter of the Afghan people. Since the 1980s, millions of Afghan refugees have sought shelter within Pakistan’s borders. Despite economic challenges, Pakistan continues to host approximately 1.7 million Afghan nationals, including registered refugees and undocumented migrants.
However, recent government directives to repatriate illegal Afghan residents have caused tensions, with humanitarian organizations urging Islamabad to adopt a more flexible approach. The issue is expected to feature prominently in the November 6 talks.
Andrabi clarified that Pakistan’s repatriation policy is “not punitive but administrative,” emphasizing that registered refugees will not be expelled. He reiterated that Pakistan “remains committed to humanitarian principles” and will continue to facilitate educational, health, and relief initiatives for Afghan citizens.
International Mediation and Peace Efforts
Several international actors have expressed interest in supporting the upcoming Pakistan-Taliban dialogue. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are reportedly monitoring the process closely, viewing it as a step toward restoring regional cooperation.
China and Qatar, both of which have maintained diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime, are also expected to offer mediation support if the talks face deadlock. Analysts believe that involving neutral third parties could enhance trust and help both nations reach verifiable counterterrorism commitments.
Pakistan’s Domestic Context: Balancing Security and Diplomacy
Pakistan’s renewed diplomatic outreach to the Taliban comes against a backdrop of domestic political and security challenges. A surge in militant attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, coupled with the economic strain of hosting refugees and managing inflation, has placed pressure on the government to secure the borders and stabilize relations with Kabul.
The Pakistani military leadership, led by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, has reiterated that the country will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. However, officials also acknowledge that enduring peace will require a diplomatic solution, not just military deterrence.
The FO’s messaging under Tahir Hussain Andrabi reflects this dual-track approach — combining firmness on national security with flexibility in dialogue.
Analysts’ Perspectives: Hope and Realism
Foreign policy experts have offered mixed reactions to Pakistan’s optimism regarding the upcoming talks. Some analysts view the initiative as a necessary step toward stabilizing bilateral relations, while others caution that expectations must remain realistic, given the Taliban’s unpredictable governance style.
Dr. Huma Baqai, an international relations scholar, noted, “Pakistan’s engagement strategy must be based on reciprocity and verifiable commitments. The Taliban’s words have often not translated into action on the ground, especially concerning counterterrorism.”
Meanwhile, regional affairs analyst Rustam Shah Mohmand emphasized that sustained engagement remains the only viable path forward. “Afghanistan’s peace and Pakistan’s security are inseparable. Both nations must recognize that their futures are intertwined.”
A Delicate Balance Between Hope and Hard Reality
As the November 6 talks approach, the atmosphere is one of cautious hope mixed with pragmatic skepticism. Pakistan’s diplomatic tone suggests a genuine effort to reset ties, yet the structural issues — from terrorism to refugee management — remain deeply entrenched.
For the Taliban, the talks present an opportunity to rebuild trust with one of their most critical neighbors, especially as the regime continues to face international isolation and economic collapse. For Pakistan, the stakes are equally high — stability in Afghanistan directly affects its internal security, economic prospects, and regional credibility.
Conclusion: Towards a Shared Future or Another Missed Opportunity?
The upcoming Pakistan-Afghanistan dialogue represents more than a bilateral negotiation; it is a test of regional diplomacy in an era of shifting power dynamics. If successful, the talks could pave the way for enhanced cooperation in security, trade, and humanitarian affairs, setting the foundation for long-term peace in the region.
