UK MP endorses Pakistan’s response to attacks from Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: British Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer said on Monday that Pakistan is entitled under international law to protect itself from attacks originating in Afghanistan, while also stressing dialogue and regional stability as the preferred way forward.

During a visit to Islamabad, Falconer discussed security concerns with senior Pakistani officials. According to Dawn, he said any country confronted with cross-border threats had the right to defend its people within the framework of international law. His remarks came at a time of heightened tensions and recent violence that Pakistani authorities say was linked to militant groups operating from Afghan territory.

Speaking to Dawn, the British official offered condolences over the recent loss of life in Pakistan and described the security situation as troubling. He said the issue extended beyond Pakistan alone and carried implications for the wider region.

“No one wants to see civilian casualties anywhere, whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan,” he added.

Falconer said all parties needed to work together on sustainable solutions, adding that threats emerging from Afghanistan were not confined to one country and could affect neighbours and others beyond the region.

Talks with Pakistani leadership

Falconer said his meetings with Pakistan’s leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, covered both regional and international matters. These included developments related to a ceasefire involving Iran, efforts aimed at preserving stability in the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of keeping global trade routes open.

He described Afghanistan as central to regional peace and security and said British authorities had remained in close contact with Pakistani counterparts to understand the evolving situation more clearly.

“It is clear from our discussions that Pakistan believes some of the threats it faces originate from across the border,” the official said. “That is a serious concern, and one that requires careful assessment and cooperation.”

While declining to discuss the substance of private exchanges with Dar, Falconer said the focus should remain on preventing any further escalation.

Call for diplomatic engagement

The British minister emphasised that Islamabad and Kabul should pursue diplomatic engagement to address shared security concerns. He acknowledged Pakistan’s frustration with the current level of coordination with Afghanistan, but said dialogue remained the most effective option.

He also said there needed to be a common understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan so that neither side’s territory was used to harm the other.

Refugees and bilateral ties

Falconer also spoke about ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, describing the relationship as longstanding and rooted not only in official engagement but also in strong community connections.

On Afghan refugees in Pakistan, he underscored the need to uphold international legal standards while noting the issue was primarily one for Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve together. He said the visit had strengthened cooperation and improved mutual understanding, and voiced hope for continued engagement on key regional challenges.