Pakistan conditions engagement with Taliban on action against militants

Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan stated that any interaction between Islamabad and the Taliban is conditional on decisive action by Kabul against militant groups using Afghan soil.

Speaking on Monday, Khan emphasized that Pakistan has clearly conveyed at all levels that it will not compromise on its security. He stressed the need to confront militants operating from Afghanistan, adding, "If we are to engage in any way, Afghanistan must first address this aspect of terrorism. In recent months, similar incidents have occurred and we have seen an increase."

The remarks follow intense clashes in October between Pakistani forces and militants, after Pakistan targeted what it described as Pakistani Taliban positions inside Afghanistan. Despite a ceasefire announced in Doha on October 19, Islamabad has suspended trade with Afghanistan.

Khan said Pakistan welcomes dialogue and solutions to facilitate trade but cannot proceed while "safe havens" for militants exist in Afghanistan. "Economic aspects are at play here, but we maintain our sovereignty and security as the highest priority."

The trade suspension, now over four months long, has paralyzed cross-border trade. Pakistani media, citing border sources, reported thousands unemployed, with the head of the Pakistan National Customs Clearing Agents Association stating over 4,000 daily wage workers, drivers, unloaders, hoteliers, and service providers have lost jobs. Regional projects like CASA-1000 have also been affected amid instability.

In Afghanistan, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment said trade has suffered and prices for food and medicine have risen.