British Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer has said that Pakistan had the right, under international law, to defend itself against attacks originating from Afghanistan, while pressing for dialogue and regional stability.
Falconer made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Islamabad, where he met with senior Pakistani officials including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions covered cross-border security threats, regional developments and bilateral ties.
“It is clear from our discussions that Pakistan believes some of the threats it faces originate from across the border,” Falconer told a private media outlet, “that is a serious concern, and one that requires careful assessment and cooperation”.
He expressed condolences over the recent loss of life in Pakistan, describing the security situation as deeply concerning. “No one wants to see civilian casualties anywhere, whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan,” he said.
Falconer noted that security threats emanating from Afghanistan are not confined within its borders and carried wider regional implications, making collective action necessary.
On the path forward, he stressed diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Kabul. “The most effective way forward is through dialogue,” he said, while acknowledging Pakistan’s frustration over the current state of bilateral coordination with Afghanistan. “There must be a shared understanding between both countries to ensure that their territories are not used to harm each other”.
Talks also touched on a ceasefire involving Iran, stability in the Strait of Hormuz and uninterrupted global trade routes.
On Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Falconer said the matter remained primarily for Pakistan and Afghanistan to address jointly, while stressing the importance of upholding international legal standards.
He described UK-Pakistan ties as “deep and enduring”, adding that the relationship extended beyond diplomacy to strong people-to-people connections. “Our relationship is not just a foreign partnership; it is built on community links that resemble a family bond,” he said.
In February, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq following unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban from across the border, targeting terror infrastructure including ammunition and equipment storage sites.
China has been mediating between the two sides, hosting a meeting in Urumqi in April and intending to hold a second round to keep the process on track.
