ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday urged Amnesty International and the broader international community to closely examine what it described as the Afghan Taliban regime’s continued patronage of terrorist groups, while rejecting allegations made in a recent Amnesty report concerning Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan.
Pakistan Rejects Amnesty Report
Speaking at the weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi dismissed Amnesty International’s report, which had called for an investigation into Pakistani airstrikes carried out in Kabul four months ago.
He said it was regrettable that such serious allegations had been made without what Pakistan considers credible evidence.
Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Terror Safe Havens
Andrabi alleged that the Afghan Taliban administration continues to provide a permissive environment for several militant organisations, including:
- The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
- The proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
- Other affiliated militant groups
He said no responsible state could remain passive when its civilians and security personnel are repeatedly targeted by terrorist attacks.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan’s military operations were conducted solely in self-defence, based on the principles of necessity and as a measure of last resort, and were directed only against terrorist targets and their logistical infrastructure inside Afghanistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly maintained that it is facing a renewed wave of terrorism allegedly planned from Afghan territory.
CDF Munir Stresses Afghan Taliban Must End Terrorist Support for Peace
Warning Over Red Sea Security
Responding to another question, Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s warning that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or the country’s maritime interests in the Red Sea would be regarded as a grave threat to national security.
He strongly condemned threats issued by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping, saying such actions endangered regional stability, freedom of navigation and global trade.
The spokesperson added that any attack on Pakistani-flagged commercial vessels would be treated as an attack on Pakistan and that the country reserved the right to respond in self-defence under international law.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Regional Diplomacy
Commenting on the Middle East situation, Andrabi said Pakistan continues to encourage all parties to exercise restraint and remains engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions through dialogue.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to implementing all bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, including those related to mutual defence cooperation.
Pakistan Welcomes EU GSP+ Assessment
On the European Union’s fifth GSP+ monitoring report, the Foreign Office welcomed the assessment, saying it recognised Pakistan’s legislative progress and continued compliance with the 27 international conventions covered under the programme.
The spokesperson described GSP+ as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic relationship with the European Union, supporting exports, employment, women’s economic participation, poverty reduction and broader economic growth.
He added that Pakistan remains committed to the effective implementation of all international conventions underpinning the GSP+ framework.
