Pakistan presents 'evidence-based' demands to mediators in Istanbul talks, says FO

Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi has said that negotiations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime began in Istanbul on Thursday, with mediators facilitating the process.

Addressing his routine press briefing in Islamabad, Andrabi stated that Pakistan’s team had presented its comprehensive, evidence-based demands to the mediators, aimed solely at halting cross-border terrorism.

He said the mediators had acknowledged and supported Pakistan’s stance, considering the evidence Islamabad provided and the principles of international law.

Discussions, he added, were continuing between the mediators and the Afghan Taliban delegation on each point of Pakistan’s proposal

The spokesperson warned against unverified information spreading on social media, particularly from Afghan-linked accounts, saying such content was speculative or deliberately misleading. He advised the public to disregard these false narratives.

Responding to a query regarding Indian media reports, Andrabi firmly rejected the accusations that Hindu pilgrims were barred from entering Pakistan, describing the claim as entirely baseless.

He called it another deliberate attempt by India to misrepresent facts and politicize an issue that was purely administrative.

Clarifying Pakistan’s position, he said that more than 2,400 visas had been issued to Indian pilgrims—mostly Sikh devotees—to attend celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji from November 4 to 13. He noted that 1,933 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border on Tuesday.

However, around 300 pilgrims, despite holding valid visas, were reportedly stopped by Indian officials from crossing into Pakistan.

Andrabi emphasized that immigration procedures on the Pakistani side were efficient, smooth, and transparent. A small number of individuals were found to have incomplete paperwork and were asked to return to India in line with established protocols.

Once their documents are completed, they will be allowed entry into Pakistan. He dismissed any suggestion that entry was refused on religious grounds as inaccurate and intentionally misleading.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan has consistently welcomed pilgrims of all religions under a structured and facilitative policy, ensuring respect and ease for all visitors. Attempts to give a communal or political angle to the issue, he said, were unfortunate and reflected the growing bias in Indian governmental and media circles.

Answering questions, the spokesperson said Pakistan’s key demand from the Afghan Taliban administration is to prevent the activities of “Fitna-al-Khawarij” terrorists operating from Afghan soil who are involved in attacks against innocent Pakistanis.

On a related note, he said India continues to engage in aggressive rhetoric, which is deeply concerning. He urged the international community, including the United Nations (UN) and the United States (US), to take notice of India’s warlike behavior and encourage New Delhi to act responsibly and pursue regional peace.

Commenting on India’s ongoing military exercises, Andrabi said Pakistan’s defense remains strong and its preparedness unquestionable.

He added that Pakistan’s armed forces, leadership, and citizens stand united in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any external threat.

Concluding his remarks, Andrabi expressed deep sorrow over the devastating earthquake in northern Afghanistan that resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

Offering condolences to the Afghan people and the bereaved families, he wished a swift recovery for all those injured and affected by the disaster.