Pakistan acknowledges the commitment of Afghan scholars but requires formal written pledges against terrorism.

Islamabad cautiously endorsed a resolution enacted by Afghan religious experts that forbids the utilization of Afghan land for assaults on other nations, characterizing it as a “positive development” amidst persistent border tensions.

In his weekly news briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi acknowledged reports of over 1,000 scholars convening at Kabul University, who asserted that Afghanistan’s territory should not pose a threat or harm to any nation.

Andrabi emphasized that analogous verbal assurances had previously been issued by the Afghan Taliban leadership but remained unfulfilled. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring request for explicit, written assurances from Kabul to inhibit terrorist organizations from using Afghan territory to execute assaults within Pakistan.

Andrabi stated that the resolution does not constitute a comprehensive written guarantee, emphasizing that Islamabad is dedicated to the welfare of the Afghan populace and is prepared to offer humanitarian aid as required.

Tense Pakistan-Afghanistan ties

Bilateral relations have significantly worsened due to an increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which Islamabad claims on terrorists operating from Afghan territory, including Afghan citizens.

Tensions rose significantly in October due to severe border confrontations initiated by a purportedly unjustified attack by Taliban forces and associated terrorists on Pakistani positions on October 12.

Pakistan’s retaliation was precision strikes deep within Afghanistan, specifically targeting regions in Kabul and Kandahar provinces, allegedly resulting in the deaths of over 200 Taliban and militants. At least 23 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the combat. A ceasefire has been maintained; nevertheless, no enduring agreement has been established to mitigate cross-border intrusions.

Absence of an extradition pact with the United Kingdom

Andrabi stated that no official extradition treaty exists between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Islamabad is seeking the extradition of two fugitives residing in the UK: Mirza Shahzad Akbar, former special assistant to ex-prime minister Imran Khan, and retired Major Adil Raja, a YouTuber alleged to have engaged in anti-state operations.

This month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presented extradition documents to UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott, requesting prompt action as both persons are sought in Pakistan on distinct accusations. Andrabi indicated that extraditions may occur on an individual basis without the lack of a treaty.

Akbar, who held significant accountability positions under Imran Khan and has been in exile in London since 2022, is confronted with numerous legal cases. In 2023, Raja was sentenced in absentia under the Pakistan Army Act for social media actions considered antagonistic to the state.