By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Friday warned that the so-called ceasefire understanding with Afghanistan is “not holding,” citing persistent terrorist attacks by groups operating from Afghan soil, and urged Kabul to rein in militants targeting Pakistan.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi, in his weekly briefing, said the arrangement with Afghanistan was never a conventional ceasefire between two states but was specifically about halting cross-border terrorism. “There have been major terrorist attacks after this ceasefire,” he said. “If Afghan nationals are continuously attacking, including in Islamabad and elsewhere, then we cannot be very optimistic… The ceasefire is not holding.”

He added that Pakistan’s security forces remain alert and “military preparedness is robust” in the face of threats emanating from across the border.

India’s ‘revisionist’ rhetoric condemned

Responding to recent remarks by the Indian defence minister targeting Pakistan’s Sindh province, Andarabi termed them “delusional and dangerously revisionist”, asserting Pakistan would safeguard its sovereignty at all costs.

“This provocative rhetoric cannot divert attention from the plight of Indian minorities suffering discrimination and persecution,” he said, also urging New Delhi to address internal unrest and human rights violations.

UN report on Kashmir validates Pakistan stance

Andarabi welcomed a United Nations experts’ report highlighting what he called severe and systematic abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He noted the arbitrary detention of nearly 2,800 Kashmiris, restrictions on press freedom and a rise in hate speech. Pakistan, he said, will continue providing political, diplomatic and moral support for their right to self-determination in line with UN resolutions.

Pakistan rejects ‘baseless’ ISIS claims by Kabul

Responding to allegations from the Afghan interim authorities that ISIS elements operate from Pakistani soil, Andarabi called the claim “outrageous and baseless”, accusing Kabul of trying to “externalize” the terror threat.

He urged the Afghan Taliban to control terrorist groups operating on their soil and highlighted the need for regional counter-terror collaboration, especially through frameworks like the SCO-RATS.

On Gaza: Israeli violations threaten peace efforts

The spokesperson strongly condemned continued Israeli attacks in Gaza in violation of the UN-backed peace agreement finalized in Sharm el-Sheikh.

“These attacks undermine international efforts aimed at lasting peace,” he said, reiterating support for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan, he stated, was also engaged in UN Security Council discussions regarding the proposed International Stabilization Force for Gaza.

Pakistan reiterates commitment to “One China” and Taiwan policy

Asked about tensions over Taiwan, Andarabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for the One-China principle, calling it fundamental to regional stability. He opposed moves that “create confrontation or destabilize the region.”

Azerbaijan economic engagement welcomed

The spokesperson confirmed Pakistan attaches high importance to strengthening relations with Azerbaijan, noting recent high-level engagements and cooperation in trade and energy.

The visit of Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister, he said, would reinforce growing bilateral ties and investment prospects.

No new UAE visa restrictions

He dismissed reports of new UAE visa bans on Pakistanis, saying Islamabad has been assured no fresh restrictions have been imposed.