FO says Afghan border crossings to remain closed amid security concerns

Pakistan has said that border crossings with Afghanistan will remain closed due to the recent deterioration in the security situation along the frontier, stressing that protecting Pakistani lives takes precedence over trade and cargo movement.

Foreign Office Spokesperson in a weekly briefing on Friday, said the government’s decision to keep the crossings closed was based on security concerns. “The life of an ordinary Pakistani is more important than the movement of goods and trade,” she said.

He also confirmed that during recent Doha talks, a document was agreed upon and signed between the parties, adding that whether the Afghan Taliban authorities choose to call it an agreement “makes no difference.”

Commenting on Afghanistan’s announcement to construct a dam on the Kunar River, the spokesperson said Pakistan would act in accordance with international water laws.

On India-Afghanistan relations, FO spokesperson said New Delhi’s decision to reopen its embassy in Kabul was an internal matter between the two countries. However, she added that “India’s role in Afghanistan has not been very positive.”

Regarding Israel, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s stance, saying, “Israel continues to violate international laws, and we will keep highlighting these violations.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state as the only viable roadmap to peace.