Pakistan opened Afghan border solely for UN humanitarian aid: FO

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Friday clarified that the country had opened its border with Afghanistan solely to facilitate humanitarian assistance at the request of the United Nations. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi told reporters that aid consignments would be sent in phases, beginning with food supplies before the dispatch of medicines and other relief items.

The spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan had no issues with the Afghan people and that the humanitarian support stemmed from longstanding goodwill.

Addressing questions regarding reports of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks allegedly held in Saudi Arabia, Andrabi said the ministry had seen the media coverage but had no information confirming any such negotiations.

Tahir Andrabi also confirmed that the individual arrested recently in the United States was an Afghan national who had spent some time in Pakistan.

Reiterating Islamabad’s position on regional issues, the spokesperson affirmed Pakistan’s full support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Turning to developments in India, he noted that the 33rd anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Mosque would be marked tomorrow, describing the historical incident as profoundly painful and underscoring the need for transparent accountability.

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan remained committed to safeguarding the rights and religious freedoms of its minority communities. 

He added that the government was examining the matter of 38 Pakistanis reportedly awaiting recovery in Myanmar.

Responding to a question on Pakistan’s posture toward Israel, Tahir Andrabi categorically stated that there was currently no contact between the two countries.