ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that lasting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan will remain out of reach until the Taliban government in Kabul dismantles sanctuaries of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and halts cross-border militant activity.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Asif noted that infiltration from across the Afghan border is “still taking place in some form,” warning that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to such actions. “Peaceful ties with Afghanistan are only possible when all forms of support for the TTP end completely,” he remarked, claiming that certain elements within the Afghan administration continue to assist militant outfits targeting Pakistan.
The minister emphasized that the Afghan leadership must ensure its territory is not used for terrorism, stressing that Islamabad will not tolerate violent actions by any group — whether the TTP or the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Asif confirmed that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary ceasefire, reached on Thursday night through the mediation of Turkiye and Qatar. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul, where both sides are expected to finalize the framework of the truce.
According to a statement issued by Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry, the recent discussions were held in Istanbul between October 25 and 30, following earlier meetings in Doha on October 18–19. The two countries reportedly agreed to form a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure adherence to the ceasefire and introduce penalties for any violations.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reiterated that Pakistan seeks peaceful relations with Afghanistan but expects the Taliban administration to stop its territory from being used against Pakistan. “We have consistently provided evidence regarding the presence and activities of groups such as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan within Afghanistan,” Andrabi said, emphasizing that Islamabad will safeguard its sovereignty “under all circumstances.”
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He also confirmed that Pakistan has responded “decisively” to recent incidents of aggression along the frontier.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have grown increasingly tense since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Pakistan witnessing a sharp increase in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** and Balochistan.
