Pakistan's Foreign Office has officially stated that it has no information regarding any ongoing or planned talks between the interim government of Afghanistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The clarification came during the weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, where the spokesperson addressed recent media speculation.
Official Statement from the Foreign Office
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was directly questioned about the potential for dialogue between Kabul and Riyadh. In her response, she provided a clear and unambiguous position. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch explicitly stated, "Pakistan has no knowledge of any talks taking place between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia." This statement was made during the briefing held on December 5, 2024, effectively distancing the Pakistani government from the circulating reports.
Context and Regional Diplomacy
The query and subsequent denial come amid a complex regional diplomatic landscape. The interim Afghan government, led by the Taliban, has faced significant challenges in gaining formal international recognition and fostering bilateral relations with major Muslim nations. Saudi Arabia, a key player in the Islamic world, holds considerable influence, and any potential dialogue would be seen as a significant development.
Pakistan, sharing a long and porous border with Afghanistan, maintains a vested interest in the stability and peaceful integration of its neighbor. Islamabad has consistently called for constructive engagement with the Afghan authorities to address mutual concerns, including security and trade. However, the spokesperson's remarks indicate that Pakistan is not privy to, nor mediating, this specific potential channel between Kabul and Riyadh.
Implications for Regional Stability
This official denial underscores the sensitive and often opaque nature of diplomacy concerning Afghanistan. While Pakistan advocates for a stable Afghanistan, it clarifies its role regarding other nations' bilateral engagements. The statement aims to quell rumors and set the record straight on Pakistan's direct involvement. The core of Pakistan's policy remains encouraging a peaceful, stable, and connected Afghanistan that contributes positively to regional security and economic corridors.
The Foreign Office's position highlights that, despite its deep historical and geographical ties to the issue, Pakistan is not a party to every diplomatic maneuver concerning the Afghan interim government. The focus for Islamabad remains on its direct bilateral issues with Kabul and promoting regional consensus through platforms it is actively involved in, rather than speculating on or managing the foreign policy choices of other states.
