Islamabad Silent on Bagram; Kabul Must Choose Between Pakistan, TTP

DID Press: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refrained from commenting directly on U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding Bagram Air Base, saying that the matter falls solely within bilateral Afghanistan–U.S. relations. At the same time, Islamabad reiterated that Afghan government must choose between cooperating with Pakistan or supporting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, September 20, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said: “From a diplomatic perspective, Bagram is an issue between Afghanistan and the United States. Of course, we follow everything happening in our region carefully, but we have no comment to offer.”

Trump’s remarks about Bagram’s strategic location and its proximity to China have sparked fresh debates on Washington’s geopolitical objectives in the region. However, Islamabad has avoided direct involvement in the discussion, emphasizing its monitoring of regional developments.

The spokesperson also addressed bilateral relations with Kabul, referencing Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s remarks at the funeral of 16 security personnel killed in Bannu: “The Prime Minister’s message is very clear: Kabul must choose between Pakistan and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).” He added that this message has been officially conveyed to the Afghan government through diplomatic channels.

Regarding trips by Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Sadiq Khan, Shafqat Ali Khan said these visits are part of regular diplomatic activities, and the media will be informed of any future trips. He declined to provide details concerning reports about a protest note sent to an Afghan ambassador.

Responding to a question on former U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad’s call for Pakistan to engage with the Afghan Taliban, the spokesperson remarked: “Khalilzad’s bias against Pakistan is well known; this hostility is consistent, and I think the only time he does not think about Pakistan is when he is asleep.”

Islamabad reiterated its desire for fraternal relations with Kabul, but noted that the presence of terrorist sanctuaries on Afghanistan soil remains the main obstacle to such ties.