EU, Pakistan call on Kabul to rein in terror groups

Pakistan and the European Union (EU) jointly urged Afghanistan's de facto authorities to take decisive steps to curb terrorist activities on its soil and safeguard human rights, particularly for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

The statement followed the seventh EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels, which noted that Afghanistan's internal instability and governance gaps continue to exacerbate cross-border terrorism threats.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the EU's High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas. Discussions reviewed progress under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, according to a communiqué issued by Pakistan's Foreign Office.

The ministers discussed Pakistan-Afghanistan relations amid October 2025 cross-border tensions, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace, stability, prosperity, and resolving issues through dialogue between neighbours.

"The two sides called on Afghanistan's de facto authorities to play a constructive role in achieving the shared objective of rooting out terrorism from Afghan soil," the communique stated. Both sides also expressed concern over Afghanistan's deteriorating socio-economic conditions, it added.

They supported a peaceful, stable, and self-reliant Afghanistan contributing to regional stability, advocating for a credible political process aligned with the UN-led Doha framework and in line with the commitments made by the Taliban de facto authorities to the international community.

"They appreciated Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan nationals for over four decades. The EU side emphasised that any return must be safe, dignified, and in line with international standards," the communique stated.

The Foreign Office said both sides welcomed the timely convening of dialogue mechanisms and reaffirmed the importance of sustained cooperation across trade, migration, human rights, political, economic, and development areas, including under the EU's Global Gateway strategy.

"They agreed to further deepen knowledge partnerships through Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe and to work together on emerging challenges related to food and energy security and climate change," it added, stressing continued collaboration to promote sustainable growth and trade development.

Pakistan and the EU expressed strong political commitment to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), which "remains one of the key elements" of bilateral relations. Kallas also briefed the meeting on the process leading to the adoption of a new GSP framework.

During the discussions, Dar and Kallas reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to multilateralism, the principles of the UN Charter, the rules-based international order, peace, stability, and prosperity, grounded in shared values and common interests.

"The EU side briefed on Russia's war in Ukraine while Pakistan briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir," the communique said. They also welcomed the first phase of the "Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict," urging all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and avoid actions that could jeopardise the agreement.

Both sides emphasised their support for concrete steps toward a two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. They stressed the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, in full respect of international law and the UN Charter, and agreed to convene the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.