Islamabad, July 24, 2025: The Foreign Office on Thursday dismissed as “speculative” media reports suggesting that Pakistan was preparing to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said terrorist sanctuaries operating from Afghan soil remain a serious concern for Pakistan. He confirmed that bilateral consultations are ongoing between the foreign ministries of both countries to finalise the schedule for the Afghan foreign minister’s upcoming visit.
“Preparations are underway,” Khan noted, “but speculation about the formal recognition of the Taliban administration is premature.”
On the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the spokesperson said that the deadline for the repatriation of registered Afghan refugees expired on June 30. “Proposals for an extension have been submitted to the government, but no decision has been taken yet,” he added, clarifying that the final authority rests with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant state institutions.
Referring to the recent visit of Pakistan’s interior minister to Kabul, Khan termed it “highly significant.” He said both sides held in-depth discussions on security and counter-terrorism, including the repatriation of militants belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Afghan leadership reportedly responded positively to Pakistan’s concerns, and technical-level security dialogues are ongoing.
“There has been visible improvement in bilateral ties, and both countries are working to sustain this positive diplomatic momentum,” he said.
Earlier this month, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government, which seized power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces after two decades of war. While no other country has extended formal recognition, China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have all appointed ambassadors to Kabul.
Commenting on the possibility of US mediation in regional matters, Khan said no formal proposal or venue had been received from Washington.
On Pakistan-Iran relations, Khan described ties with Tehran as “multidimensional and people-centric.” He reiterated Islamabad’s support for diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear agreement, stressing that any resolution should be pursued through dialogue.
He also clarified that the reported July 26 date for the Iranian president’s visit to Pakistan was speculative and had never been officially confirmed. A mutually agreed date would be announced soon, he said.
Touching upon India, Khan reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to resolving all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through dialogue. He emphasised that Pakistan is fully confident in its defence capabilities.
“Any act of aggression will be met with a firm response,” he warned. “Pakistan remains ready for meaningful negotiations, but India’s delaying tactics continue to hamper progress.”
