Pakistan conditions engagement with Taliban on action against militants

Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan stated that any engagement with the Taliban, including resuming bilateral trade, is conditional on practical actions by the group against militants based in Afghanistan. Speaking on X on Monday, Khan emphasized that security is Pakistan's top priority amid rising militant attacks inside Pakistan. "If we are to engage with Afghanistan, the terrorism issue must be resolved first," he wrote, adding that economic issues are important but security and sovereignty come first. Khan asserted that Pakistan will not compromise on its security and that terrorists using Afghan soil must be reined in.

The Taliban have consistently denied Pakistan's accusations, stating that Afghan territory is not used against neighboring countries. Pakistan, however, claims the Taliban provide safe havens to groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatists.

Tensions escalated following intense border clashes in October 2025, after Pakistan said it targeted TTP bases in Afghanistan. Islamabad subsequently suspended all trade with Afghanistan, despite a ceasefire announced in Doha on October 19. Key border crossings like Torkham and Chaman have been closed for months, halting hundreds of millions of dollars in trade and stranding thousands of containers, severely affecting traders, truck drivers, and farmers on both sides.

The Taliban responded by halting pharmaceutical imports from Pakistan and seeking alternatives through India, Iran, and Central Asian countries. Hasht-e Subh, citing Arab News, reported Khan reiterating no compromise on national security.

Meanwhile, a special meeting of regional contact group envoys from Central Asian states on Afghanistan was held on February 27 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Yerkin Tokomov, Kazakhstan's special representative, said the discussions focused on trade, transit, and coordinating a regional approach toward Afghanistan. Kazakhstan engages with Afghanistan economically and humanitarily despite not recognizing the Taliban administration, providing aid, hosting Afghan students, and sending medical assistance. Tokomov described Afghanistan as a promising market and key transit route but noted challenges like limited rail connectivity.