Islamabad has demanded the Taliban regime to hand over terrorists to Pakistan, said the spokesperson, adding the Taliban regime has repeatedly refused to do so, citing lack of control.
“More than being a matter of capability, it has become a matter of intent of Taliban regime. Empty hopes and hollow promises rendered by Taliban regime so far have already outlived their efficacy. Definite and concrete actions have to be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of the people of Pakistan,” he said.
Pakistan insisted the issue is not one of humanitarian protection for refugees but of terrorism: the Afghan Taliban, he said, are sheltering militants and allowing training camps that plot attacks on Pakistan. The FO demanded the handover of militants to Pakistan, adding that Kabul’s repeated claims of lack of control appeared to be a question of intent rather than capability.
Andarabi also rejected Taliban attempts to recast the problem as a domestic Pakistani issue or to stoke narratives of ethnic discord. He said Pakistan remains united in backing its armed forces, which continue operations against militants, and that the country will pursue all lawful measures to protect its citizens.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan remains open to dialogue but makes clear that concrete, verifiable measures to stop cross-border terrorism must come first. “There will be no compromise on national security — whether at the negotiating table or on the ground,” it said.