Pakistan shares evidence-backed demands to mediators in Istanbul talks
Parliament to decide on Gaza peace mission: FO
ISLAMABAD: Turkish and Qatari mediators are continuing discussions with the Afghan Taliban delegation on Pakistan’s set of demands — particularly to end cross-border terrorism — as efforts continue to secure an agreement before the scheduled conclusion of the ongoing talks.
The two-day negotiations, which began on Thursday and are being held at Istanbul’s Conrad Hotel under restricted media access, are the third round of Pakistan–Afghan Taliban engagement following border clashes last month. They are aimed at ending cross-border terrorism and finalising a framework for monitoring and verification of counterterrorism commitments. Intelligence chiefs of both countries are leading their respective sides.
The talks could be extended beyond Friday if required.
Foreign Office spokesperson in Islamabad Tahir Hussain Andrabi told reporters at the weekly media briefing on Friday that the Pakistani delegation had presented its case to the mediators in a comprehensive and evidence-based manner.
“The Pakistan delegation has handed over its evidence-based, justified, and logical demands to the mediators with a singular aim to put an end to cross-border terrorism,” Andrabi said. “The mediators fully endorsed Pakistan’s stance on the basis of evidence provided by our side, as well as the tenets of international law and principles.”
“They are now discussing Pakistan’s demands with the Afghan delegation point by point,” he added.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the decision to send a peacekeeping force to Gaza would be made by Pakistan’s Parliament, clarifying that no such decision has been taken yet.
Rejecting Indian media reports alleging secret meetings between Pakistani intelligence officials and foreign agencies over financial matters, the spokesperson dismissed the claims as “fairy tales.” He clarified, “Pakistan has not held any meeting with any foreign intelligence agency, nor sought funds in exchange for troop deployment in Gaza. Indian media is known for its baseless and misleading reports.”
He reiterated that only Parliament has the authority to decide on sending any peacekeeping troops to Gaza, reaffirming that no such move is currently under consideration. Staff Report
