Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson has said that the presence of terrorist elements in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to regional peace and security, adding that a recent United Nations report clearly supports Pakistan’s long-standing position on the issue.

During the weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarani said there is solid and credible evidence of terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil. He stated that Pakistan possesses human and other intelligence indicating support being extended to terrorists inside Afghanistan, and that reliable reports are available detailing their numbers, identities and sources of financial backing.

The spokesperson said that diplomatic channels between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain active, with ambassadors of both countries present in their respective capitals, and that bilateral issues continue to be discussed through diplomatic means.

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He further said that the presence of terrorist elements was discussed during a regional meeting held in Iran, where the issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups was examined in a broader context. According to him, the meeting of special envoys of neighbouring countries in Tehran was part of a regional mechanism, which is important for consensus-building and consultation.

The spokesperson said that the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan is not only a threat to regional peace but is also undermining efforts for internal stability and development within Afghanistan itself. He added that reports of the UN Security Council confirm the presence of various terrorist organisations in Afghanistan, with specific mention of the TTP and other foreign terrorist elements. He said these terrorist elements remain the biggest obstacle in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Commenting on reports regarding an international stabilisation force, the spokesperson said consultations are underway in some global capitals; however, Pakistan has not been informed of any specific request in this regard, and no decision has been taken so far.

Responding to a shooting incident in Australia, the spokesperson said investigations into the Bondi Beach attack are being conducted by Australian authorities and linking the incident to Pakistan is regrettable and irresponsible. He said that the name and photograph of a Pakistani individual were shown in the media without verification, which, due to false reporting, exposed an innocent person and his family to serious risks.

The spokesperson added that Indian media spread misinformation and propaganda about the incident, but it later emerged that the attacker was of Indian origin and an Indian passport holder.