Khawaja Asif says both nations committed to tackling militancy for lasting regional peace
Pakistan and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to curb terrorism along their shared border, signaling a renewed effort to stabilize a region long plagued by militancy and mistrust.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, in an interview with Al-Jazeera Arabic, said both countries have recognized terrorism as the main obstacle to peace and progress. He explained that recent discussions between the two sides have focused on creating a sustainable framework for security cooperation, aimed at eliminating groups responsible for cross-border violence.
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During the interview, he said, the Afghan Defense Minister also accepted that terrorism remains the main source of tension between Islamabad and Kabul, and that both governments must act decisively to neutralize the threat. The understanding, he said, reflects a shared recognition that regional peace cannot be achieved without a coordinated approach to countering extremism.
Preparations are underway for a key meeting in Istanbul next week, where officials are expected to finalize details of the new deal. The agenda will reportedly include measures for intelligence sharing, joint border surveillance and a structured mechanism to ensure compliance with ceasefire commitments.
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Asif expressed optimism that once the issue of terrorism is effectively addressed, broader cooperation in trade, transit and infrastructure development will follow. He noted that stabilizing the border would open avenues for Afghanistan to resume trade activities through Pakistani ports, benefiting both economies and fostering mutual interdependence.
The renewed commitment also comes amid persistent security challenges in border areas, where militant activity has often derailed diplomatic progress. This latest initiative marks a significant attempt to move beyond sporadic talks towards a long-term strategic partnership based on security and economic cooperation.
While the success of the effort will depend on how well both countries can implement and monitor their commitments, the upcoming Istanbul meeting is seen as a possible turning point. Analysts believe that if the understanding is translated into concrete actions, it could not only improve bilateral relations but also strengthen broader regional stability that has been elusive for decades.
