Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 | 03 Ramadan 1447
Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 | 03 Ramadan 1447
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said that it reserves the right to take appropriate action in self-defence against Indian-sponsored terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
Spokesperson for the Foreign Office Tahir Andrabi stated this at his weekly press briefing. He said that Pakistan believes in diplomacy and dialogue, but it reserves right to take any appropriate action in self-defence against terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
Andrabi said that Pakistan cannot let terrorists based in Afghanistan to kill its people incessantly and mercilessly. “We reserve the right of any action in our right to self-defence, which is given to us under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Any action that we take against these terrorists will be essentially under our right to self-defence and the imperative of protecting the lives of our innocent civilians and the lives of our security forces,” he added.
READ MORE: Lakki Marwat: 4 Indian-sponsored terrorists neutralised
When asked whether Saudi Arabia played the role of a mediator between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the spokesperson said that Pakistan values the positive role of its brotherly countries in conveying its messages to the Taliban leadership, reminding them of their obligations under international law to ensure that their territory is not used for terrorism.
He added that Pakistan’s messages are delivered to Kabul through various channels, including Saudi Arabia. However, he rejected the impression that any structured mediation is being offered by Riyadh. He also urged the international community to play a proactive role in stopping Indian-backed terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Andrabi expressed hope that the Board of Peace (BoP) on Gaza will live up to expectations by taking concrete steps toward implementing a permanent ceasefire, further scaling up humanitarian aid for Palestinians, as well as reconstructing Gaza.
He stated that Pakistan’s final decision on joining the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for Gaza is still pending. “The contours of the ISAF mandate are not clear. We have highlighted our red lines quite explicitly. We would not be part of any mandate to disarm (Hamas),” he explained.
Andrabi said that Pakistan has also shared irrefutable, concrete evidence of Indian sponsorship of terrorism and the terrorist groups operating in Pakistan from across its borders.
The latest details which are available in the media vindicate our position and highlight the need for the international community to take serious notice of this situation.
The spokesperson said Pakistan is supportive of peace diplomacy on the issue of Iran. In the Prime Minister’s meeting with the US leadership, this advocacy for peace and diplomacy in our region would be reiterated. Our region cannot afford another war and this message will resonate in our interaction in Washington as well.
He said that Pakistan has expressed its disappointment on the blockade of SAARC process by India. He said Pakistan would work with the new Bangladeshi government to revive SAARC.
On the issue of wave of terrorism in Balochistan, the FO spokesperson said that certain important developments have taken place in this regard. The latest report of Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee to the UN Security Council clearly linked the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Fitnah al Hind/Fitnah-e-Hindustan to Afghanistan, the ecosystem of support that these elements get, from Afghanistan. Our discussions on this issue in the UN are continuing. We have concrete evidence of the Indian involvement in some high-profile terrorist attacks in Balochistan, he stated. He said that Pakistan has regularly been apprising the international community on terrorism in Balochistan – their abettors, their supporters, their facilitators.
The FO spokesperson said that Pakistan is following up water issues with India at different forums under the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan, he said, will not let India weaponise water. We will not compromise on even a single drop of water that the Indus Waters Treaty allows us to have, he stated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
