Pakistan confirms 'unofficial' delegation visit to Kabul

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Taher Hussain Andarabi stated during a Thursday press conference that a three-member delegation led by Fazlur Rahman Khalil traveled to Kabul on an unofficial, personal basis.

Andarabi emphasized that the Pakistani government sent no official delegation for talks with the Taliban. He described the visitors as "respected individuals" but clarified the trip was not organized by Islamabad.

Reliable sources in Kabul confirmed the delegation included Pakistani religious and jihadist figures Maulvi Fazlur Rahman Khalil, Maulvi Abdullah Shah Mazhar and Maulvi Sajid Usman. Those sources said the purpose was to explore ways to reduce tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

Andarabi reiterated that Pakistan's policy toward Afghanistan has not changed. He said Islamabad has received no guarantees from the Taliban that attacks by armed groups from Afghan soil against Pakistan will stop, adding that the United Nations has evidence in this regard.

Responding to a warning from the Taliban defense minister that Pakistan could be targeted if Afghanistan comes under attack, Andarabi noted that Pakistan is already under attack.

He said border crossings between the two countries remain closed, with no new decisions taken. Andarabi again stressed Pakistan's security concerns, stating Islamabad expects Afghan territory not to be used against it and calls for effective measures to prevent activities by militant groups that Pakistani officials say launch attacks from inside Afghanistan.