Pakistan will continue to remain engaged in the ongoing mediation process and hopes for a positive outcome in the next round of talks with the Afghan Taliban regime, scheduled for November 6.

This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi during his weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Friday.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s government and armed forces are fully prepared to take all possible measures to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure the security of its people.

Andrabi said Pakistan participated in the recent Istanbul talks “in good faith and with positive intent,” engaging constructively with the Taliban regime without compromising its principled stance that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

He said Pakistan does not seek escalation but expects the Afghan Taliban to honour their international commitments and address Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns by taking concrete and verifiable action against terrorist entities, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.

“For the past four years, Pakistan has been urging the Taliban regime to take decisive and effective measures against terrorist outfits, present on Afghan soil,” Andrabi said.

“We have repeatedly shared credible information about the presence of top leadership of Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan on Afghan soil with the Taliban regime,” he said. “However, despite repeated assurances in the past, there has been a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan from Afghanistan,” he added.

The spokesperson said Pakistan’s concerns had been ignored, leading to “unprovoked aggression” supported by Fitna al-Khawarij, which resulted in recent cross-border exchanges.

He said Pakistan decisively responded to the Afghan provocation aimed at destabilising the border area, facilitating terrorism and furthering Fitna al Khawarij’s nefarious designs. Pakistan will respond resolutely if provocations continue in future.

Andrabi reaffirmed that Pakistan remains desirous of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan that contributes to regional stability.

He also appreciated the “constructive and sincere efforts” of Qatar and Turkiye for facilitating the peace process.

Responding to a question, the Foreign Office spokesperson expressed optimism about the upcoming round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime.