Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) has clarified that the current ceasefire with Afghanistan is not a conventional truce, but instead, it is contingent upon the cessation of terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil.
During his weekly press briefing on Friday, FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized that the ceasefire agreement does not represent a typical ceasefire between two warring states. Rather, it is contingent upon stopping cross-border terrorism, specifically attacks by Afghan-sponsored militant groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), FAK, and Afghan nationals.
Despite this understanding, Andrabi noted that significant terrorist attacks continue to be launched from Afghanistan, undermining the effectiveness of the ceasefire. "The ceasefire was aimed at preventing terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan-based groups. However, when Afghan nationals carry out attacks, as we saw in Islamabad and other areas, the ceasefire cannot be considered to be holding," he stated.
The relationship between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban has reached a low point since the latter’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. This has resulted in heightened tensions, with border crossings between the two nations remaining closed since October 11, and trade between the countries at a standstill due to ground fighting and airstrikes that caused significant casualties.
Efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict have been made by Turkey and Qatar, with a temporary ceasefire brokered in Doha. However, subsequent rounds of talks have failed to bring about a sustainable resolution. Tensions spiked once again earlier this week when Afghanistan accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes, which the Pakistani military and government denied.
Pakistan’s military forces have been placed on high alert due to the continued threat from Afghan soil. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif have both warned that the Pakistani military will not hesitate to target terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan if necessary. Additionally, Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior, pointed out that Afghan nationals were involved in recent terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, including a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed 12 people.
The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan remains resolute in tackling security challenges and will continue to maintain a strong military posture in the face of any threat from Afghanistan. The government stressed that decisive action will be taken to counter cross-border terrorism and protect Pakistan’s sovereignty.