The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan held its weekly press briefing on Friday, addressing the delicate mediation efforts between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime, ongoing regional peace initiatives, and the decision to partially resume humanitarian transit trade.
Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson @TahirAndrabi
Mediation on Afghanistan by Turkiye and Saudia pic.twitter.com/F9MtgSkwCQ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 5, 2025
Turkish Mediation Effort Stalls
The FO spokesperson confirmed that the anticipated visit of a top Turkish delegation, intended to mediate tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, has not yet materialized. Turkiye, alongside Qatar, had recently hosted talks that produced a fragile ceasefire, which the spokesperson noted has since faltered because it was “contingent on a halt in terrorist activities.”
When questioned about the delay, the spokesperson stated: “Pakistan was open, and stands ready. And I believe that the delegation has not arrived because of scheduling issues, and perhaps by a lack of cooperation from the Taliban regime.”
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan had welcomed the mediation announcement made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and remained ready for negotiations, while stressing that the delay was not attributable to Pakistan’s cooperation.
Saudi Peace Initiative and Pakistan’s Stance
The spokesperson acknowledged that Saudi Arabia is engaged in a separate peacemaking initiative, with a high-stakes round of unannounced talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan having taken place in Riyadh recently. However, these engagements ended swiftly without progress as both sides maintained rigid positions.
Pakistan’s official position on external mediation remains welcoming: “We, in principle, welcome the mediations. We believe that our position on terrorism from Afghanistan is on moral principles strongly rooted in national and international legality. So, any objective mediation would naturally favour Pakistan.”
Phased Resumption of UN Humanitarian Aid
The FO announced a significant decision to clear humanitarian consignments for Afghanistan, marking the first controlled reopening of transit trade since routine trade was suspended in October. This move was made at the United Nations’ request and reflects Pakistan’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan.
The movement of humanitarian assistance will take place in three controlled phases:
- Phase 1: Containers with food items.
- Phase 2: Containers carrying pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.
- Phase 3: Containers transporting other essential goods related to education and health.
The spokesperson confirmed that the decision was taken in line with humanitarian obligations, emphasizing that Pakistan holds no animosity towards the Afghan people, who are considered “brothers and sisters.” However, the spokesperson affirmed that the border crossings remain closed for the resumption of general trade and movement, stating that the rationale behind the overall border closure “still stands” until the Taliban regime supports Pakistan’s position on stopping the flow of terrorism from Afghan soil.
