Pakistan has called on the Taliban to address the threat posed by terrorist groups that continue to jeopardize the security of Afghanistan and its neighboring countries.
Speaking at a press briefing, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed claims that militants involved in recent attacks in Bamiyan and Kabul had received training in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
She asserted that Taliban authorities are struggling to control these groups, which, she said, operate with impunity within Afghanistan and pose a serious threat to regional stability.
“The Taliban should focus on combating these groups rather than attributing blame elsewhere,” Ms. Baloch stated, emphasizing the need for the Taliban to take action against militants within their own borders.
In response to a separate question, Ms. Baloch noted that Pakistan sees confidence-building measures as essential for fostering trade and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Upcoming SCO meeting
Ms. Baloch also discussed the upcoming 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will be held in Islamabad from Oct. 15 to 16. This high-level meeting, the second most important within the SCO framework, aims to strengthen regional economic ties and promote cultural exchanges.
She announced that leaders from SCO member states will gather to discuss enhanced economic cooperation, trade, environmental initiatives, and cultural linkages. While she did not mention whether Taliban representatives would attend, she noted that high-level officials from SCO member countries, the observer state of Mongolia, and special guest Turkmenistan are expected. Representatives from international organizations, including the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the European Economic Community (EEC), will also be in attendance.
“We anticipate robust participation from regional leaders and international organizations,” Ms. Baloch said, underscoring the significance of the event for regional cooperation.
