ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Army has reinforced its stance on cross-border terrorism ahead of renewed talks with the Afghan Taliban, declaring that Islamabad’s only non-negotiable demand is an end to militant attacks originating from Afghan territory.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Pakistan seeks “verifiable action against terrorists,” rejecting what he described as “meaningless conditions” from the Taliban side. He stressed that Afghan soil “must not be used against Pakistan,” reiterating Islamabad’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
The DG ISPR categorically denied reports in “Afghan and Indian media” about a supposed secret US-Pakistan understanding allowing American drone operations in Afghanistan.https://t.co/MjDJrTLqvy
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 4, 2025
The comments come ahead of a new round of talks in Istanbul on November 6, following last month’s discussions mediated by Türkiye and Qatar. The previous talks produced a tentative framework for a monitoring mechanism on cross-border terrorism, though implementation details remain unresolved.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said 1,667 militants had been killed in ongoing counterterrorism operations, including 206 Afghan Taliban fighters. He added that a majority of recent infiltrators were Afghan nationals, underscoring what he called the “blurring of lines” between the Afghan Taliban and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Rejecting reports of a secret arrangement allowing US drone operations in Afghanistan, the military spokesman said, “Pakistan has not permitted the US or any other country to use its territory for strikes inside Afghanistan. These claims are baseless propaganda.”
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He also warned India against conducting a “false flag operation” in deep waters to fabricate evidence of Pakistani aggression, saying any provocation would be met with a “strong and decisive” response.
On questions about Pakistan’s potential participation in a Gaza peacekeeping force, the ISPR chief clarified that any decision would rest with the government and parliament.
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