Pakistan rules out unconditional talks with Afghanistan

Pakistan has ruled out unconditional talks with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Foreign Office officials said on 16 October that Islamabad requires a verifiable mechanism to stop terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil before any formal dialogue can proceed.

The statement followed reports of possible mediation efforts. The Foreign Office said no formal Russian mediation initiative is currently under discussion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately affirmed Pakistan's support for Saudi Arabia's security and condemned recent Houthi attacks on targets in Yemen.

Cross-border incidents have continued along the Durand Line. Pakistani officials have repeatedly linked militant activity inside Pakistan to groups operating from Afghanistan. Kabul has denied harbouring such groups and has called for dialogue on trade and border issues.

The position comes as Pakistan chairs the boards of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, a responsibility that returns to Islamabad after 74 years. Ahad Cheema has been named the incoming chair. The role involves coordinating among member states on institutional priorities.

Separately, a roof collapse at a school in Peshawar killed 31 people, including a teacher and 30 students, earlier in the week. Families have gathered outside the building seeking accountability. A fact-finding committee has been formed by the provincial chief secretary.

Fuel costs for power generation rose 37.5 percent in September, pushing the average fuel cost component to Rs 10.02 per unit from Rs 7.29 a year earlier. The increase reflects higher imported fuel prices.

No date has been set for any potential talks with Afghan authorities. Pakistani statements emphasise that security conditions must change before political engagement resumes.