ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has revealed that the Afghan Taliban government has agreed to key terms under the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire agreement, including ending support for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), maintaining a long-term truce, and facilitating the return of Afghan refugees.
Speaking during a television interview, the minister said the accord—mediated by Qatar and Turkiye—aims to lay the foundation for lasting peace and regional stability. Detailed terms of the agreement are expected to be made public around October 25, following the second phase of negotiations.
According to Khawaja Asif, the Afghan Taliban regime has accepted three major conditions:
Termination of TTP presence and operations inside Afghanistan.
Sustained ceasefire along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Organized repatriation of Afghan refugees in coordination with both governments.
The minister said the agreement underscores mutual intent to restore confidence between the two countries. “Qatar and Turkiye have both played constructive roles and want peace to prevail in Pakistan,” he noted.
Khawaja Asif warned that the truce would only hold if Kabul fulfills its pledge to neutralize the TTP network. “Any fresh infiltration or cross-border attack could jeopardize the entire agreement,” he cautioned.
He said Islamabad has provided Kabul with a list of individuals and groups involved in attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil, backed by solid evidence. “We have shared all information with them and are ready to present it in Istanbul, if required,” he added.
Asif made it clear that Pakistan’s talks were held only with the Afghan Taliban, not with the TTP. “The TTP is responsible for killing our people. We will never negotiate with them,” he said, taking a swipe at the PTI founder for previously engaging with the banned outfit.
The minister characterized the Doha meeting as “positive and free of hostility,” saying both sides demonstrated goodwill and a commitment to rebuilding trust.
He confirmed that the next round of discussions will take place in Turkiye between October 25 and 27, where both sides will finalize the implementation framework. “If any clause is violated, both countries will be informed immediately,” he added, emphasizing the built-in mechanism for accountability.
Khawaja Asif reaffirmed that Pakistan’s policy toward Afghan refugees remains rooted in dignity and respect. “We hosted Afghans for decades with honour, and now we are facilitating their return in the same spirit,” he said.
He noted that the repatriation process would be conducted jointly with Afghan officials and international humanitarian agencies to ensure smooth coordination and humane treatment.
Commenting on Afghanistan’s diplomatic outreach, Asif said Pakistan does not object to Kabul maintaining ties with India. However, he accused New Delhi of backing the TTP. “There’s no doubt India is supporting the TTP—this is an undeniable reality,” he asserted.
The defence minister concluded that the success of the Qatar-brokered deal depends on sincerity and implementation from both sides. “The future of peace in our region is interlinked. Pakistan and Afghanistan must work together if we want lasting stability,” Asif emphasized.
He expressed confidence that the Afghan Taliban would honor their commitments, particularly concerning the TTP’s dismantling and the maintenance of the ceasefire.
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