RASC News Agency: Pakistan has once more called on the Taliban to address threats posed by “terrorist groups” that endanger the security of Afghanistan and its neighboring countries. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, refuted Taliban claims that recent attackers in Bamyan and Kabul were trained in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
She emphasized that the Taliban are struggling to control these groups, which operate with impunity in Afghanistan and present a significant threat to regional stability. Baloch urged the Taliban to focus on combating these groups rather than blaming others. In response to another question, she underlined the importance of confidence-building measures for enhancing trade and cooperation between the two nations.
Baloch further announced that the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) would be held from October 15 to 16 in Islamabad. This high-level gathering, aimed at boosting regional economic ties and fostering cultural exchanges, is the second major meeting under the SCO framework. Leaders from SCO member states will convene to discuss strengthening economic cooperation, trade, environmental initiatives, and cultural exchanges.
While she did not mention Taliban representatives, Baloch noted that senior officials from SCO member states, observer nation Mongolia, and special guest Turkmenistan would participate. Representatives from global organizations, including the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the European Economic Community, will also attend.
Baloch added, “We anticipate widespread participation from regional leaders and international organizations,” underscoring the significance of this meeting for regional cooperation.
