Pakistan states that a ceasefire depends on Afghanistan’s action against armed groups.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has emphasized that the fragile ceasefire agreement established with Afghanistan is heavily contingent upon the latter’s ability to manage armed groups operating along their shared border. In a recent interview with ZezapTV, Asif articulated that successful implementation of the ceasefire necessitates significant oversight by the Afghan authorities to curtail the activities of groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a coalition of factions often referred to as the Pakistan Taliban.

This truce follows a series of intense border confrontations that had strained relations between the two nations to a critical low, sparked by Islamabad’s concerns over cross-border incursions. The ceasefire agreement was notably brokered by Qatar and Turkiye, reaffirming their commitment to fostering regional stability.

Asif stated that the agreement clearly delineates that any actions emanating from Afghan territory would be considered violations of the ceasefire, reinforcing the expectation for Afghanistan to assume responsibility for these groups. Furthermore, allegations of mutual complicity have emerged, with Asif claiming that TTP operates with the understanding of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, a point that has been met with strong refutations from Afghan officials.

In response, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban, remarked that the conditions of this agreement entail an explicit commitment from both countries to refrain from hostile actions or support for groups executing assaults against Pakistan. Mujahid underscored a bilateral approach to peace, which aims to prioritize the security of civilians and infrastructure in both nations.

The Pakistan Taliban has intensified its assaults in recent months, targeting security forces in efforts to destabilize the Pakistani government. In a notable incident, Pakistani military operations reportedly aimed at high-value TTP leaders took place in Kabul, reflecting the complex security landscape in the region.

Asif articulated the situation by stating, “We were being attacked. Our territory was being attacked. So we just did tit for tat.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its territorial integrity, insisting on the right to act against threats regardless of their location.

The upcoming round of discussions is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, where officials from both nations will seek to establish practical measures to enforce the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

This initiative symbolizes ongoing efforts to foster cooperative relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighting the crucial need for diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges.

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