Pakistan Demands Verifiable Mechanism Before Any Talks with Afghanistan

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Friday that any talks with Afghanistan must include a verifiable mechanism to stop terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory. Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan stated that dialogue would not be unconditional and that Islamabad remains open to sincere mediation efforts that address its security concerns.

“Pakistan is not shying away from discussions or dialogue, including with representatives of Afghanistan,” Khan said at the weekly media briefing. “Pakistan would welcome any sincere efforts by friendly countries that could help address our legitimate security concerns and promoting regional peace and stability.” He added that the Taliban authorities have taken “one step forward and one step backward” on the issue.

Pakistan’s single demand, according to the spokesperson, is a mechanism that can confirm the complete cessation of terrorist activity against Pakistan from Afghan soil. Islamabad has long accused the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other groups of using Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban authorities have repeatedly denied that they shelter such groups and have described the problem as an internal matter for Pakistan.

The statement follows a series of failed or inconclusive diplomatic efforts. Consultations under the Moscow Format on October 5 ended without a joint communiqué after disagreements over references to terrorist networks. Earlier rounds in Doha, Istanbul and Saudi Arabia also failed to produce a lasting agreement beyond a fragile ceasefire. Pakistan has conducted cross-border strikes in response to attacks it attributes to groups based in Afghanistan.

Khan also addressed questions about possible Russian mediation. He said no formal Russian initiative is currently under discussion, while reiterating that Pakistan would support any genuine effort that produces verifiable results on security. The Foreign Office has maintained that limited contacts do not amount to a change in policy toward the Taliban authorities in Kabul.

Tensions have included intermittent border clashes and Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan. In recent weeks, both sides have traded accusations. Pakistani officials have pointed to specific incidents, including suicide attacks in which the attackers were identified as Afghan nationals. Afghan statements have accused Pakistan of using military language rather than political engagement.

The demand for a verification mechanism reflects Pakistan’s position that previous assurances from the Taliban have not translated into reduced attacks. Officials have cited continued operations by groups such as the TTP and, in some cases, the Balochistan Liberation Army. A United Nations report released in August noted ongoing Taliban support for the TTP, a finding Kabul has rejected.

Pakistan hosts roughly four million Afghan refugees, a population that has grown over more than four decades of conflict. Officials have said that the presence of this population and the long shared border make a lasting reduction in cross-border violence a practical necessity. At the same time, they have rejected any return to substantive political engagement without concrete steps on the militant issue.

The Foreign Office statement comes amid broader regional discussions involving Russia, China and other neighbors. Pakistan has participated in those forums while insisting that its core security condition remains non-negotiable. No date has been set for further bilateral talks.

For now, the ceasefire along the border largely holds, but both sides continue to prepare for the possibility of further incidents. Pakistani officials have said that any future aggression would meet a stronger response, while Afghan authorities maintain that they will defend their territory. The gap between Pakistan’s demand for verification and the Taliban’s rejection of responsibility for groups operating from their soil remains the central obstacle to renewed dialogue.