Islamabad: Pakistan has expressed strong reservations concerning elements of a recent joint statement issued by India and Afghanistan, specifically criticizing references to Jammu and Kashmir. The statement, released on October 10, 2025, in New Delhi, was met with opposition from Pakistan, which regards the mention of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India a violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan conveyed these concerns to Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, with the Additional Foreign Secretary emphasizing the sensitivity of the issue to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and their struggle for self-determination.

Moreover, Pakistan rejected remarks by the Afghan Acting Foreign Minister, who labeled terrorism as an internal issue of Pakistan. Pakistani officials highlighted the presence of terrorist elements, such as Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan, operating from Afghan soil against Pakistan, with the alleged support of elements within Afghanistan.

In a gesture of goodwill, Pakistan reiterated its history of hosting nearly four million Afghan refugees for over four decades. As Afghanistan achieves stability, Pakistan called for the return of unauthorized Afghan nationals residing within its borders, affirming its right to regulate foreign nationals in line with international norms.

Pakistan continues to facilitate trade, economic, and connectivity initiatives with Afghanistan, aiming to promote regional cooperation and development. Despite these efforts, Pakistan stressed the importance of security, urging the Afghan Interim Government to prevent its territory from being used by terrorist elements against Pakistan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian support for Afghanistan while seeking a collaborative approach to ensure peace and stability in the region.