By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday raised alarm over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, urged India to comply with the Indus Waters Treaty, and confirmed its participation in the upcoming Board of Peace meeting.

During a wide-ranging press briefing by Foreign Ministry spokespersonTahir Andrabi said that diplomacy continues even in wars and continues even during skirmishes and Islamabad would not shut the door of diplomacy with anyone.

Highlighting security concerns, Andrabi cited a recent UN Security Council sanctions committee report that he said supports Pakistan’s longstanding position that groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) continue to operate from Afghan territory.

He noted that the report describes Afghanistan as providing a “permissive environment” for militants, with Pakistan remaining a primary target of cross-border attacks.

The spokesperson also addressed the recent suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, calling the killing of civilians “utterly condemnable.”

He said the suspected Daesh mastermind is believed to be present in Afghanistan and that Pakistan is engaging international partners and UN bodies on the matter while reserving the right to defend itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

On ties with Kabul, Andrabi stressed that diplomacy remains open despite tensions, adding that Pakistan seeks peace and prosperity for Afghanistan but does not want its territory used for attacks.

He acknowledged that instability in Afghanistan has long hindered regional connectivity but said Islamabad would continue pursuing stronger links with Central Asia.

Turning to India, the spokesperson said Pakistan participated in recent Court of Arbitration proceedings on the Indus Waters Treaty while India chose not to attend.

He reiterated that the treaty remains a binding international agreement and warned that Pakistan would “never compromise” on its water rights, calling on New Delhi to return to full compliance.

Andrabi also criticized statements by India following the Islamabad attack, alleging they carried an undertone that appeared to justify terrorism against Pakistan.

Separately, he welcomed the removal of an inaccurate map by U.S. authorities that had depicted Kashmir as part of India, noting that UN-sanctioned maps recognize the region as disputed.

Addressing human rights, Andrabi expressed deep concern over what he described as a pattern of mob lynchings of Muslims in India, citing at least 55 cases last year and urging both Indian authorities and international human rights institutions to investigate.

On global diplomacy, Pakistan confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the Board of Peace meeting in Washington alongside the deputy prime minister and foreign minister.

Andrabi said Islamabad joined the initiative in “good faith” as part of a collective voice from several Islamic countries advocating for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.

Pakistan also clarified reports about Iran-US nuclear talks, saying it had initially been invited to a broader format expected in Istanbul but did not attend after the negotiations narrowed to Iran, the United States, and Oman. Islamabad welcomed the dialogue and voiced support for diplomatic solutions.

The briefing also highlighted a flurry of diplomatic activity, including recent state visits by the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan that produced agreements on trade, security cooperation, and regional connectivity projects such as the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway.

Pakistan additionally hosted international meetings, updated its export control lists in line with global non-proliferation regimes, and held bilateral consultations with Canada.

Andrabi underscored that Pakistan remains committed to counterterrorism cooperation, multilateral engagement, and economic partnerships, while continuing to monitor evolving regional security challenges.