ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan warned on Friday that the ceasefire with Afghanistan effectively “does not hold” as cross-border terrorist attacks continue to target Pakistani cities and civilians.
In his weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the so-called ceasefire between the two neighbors did not imply a traditional truce between belligerent states, but rather an understanding that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.
“Let me clarify that the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan does not imply a traditional ceasefire implemented after two belligerent states are in a situation of war or conflict. It was about preventing terrorist attacks by proxies sponsored by Afghanistan on Pakistani territory,” the spokesperson said.
“There have been major terrorist attacks following this ceasefire, including incidents in Islamabad and other cities, indicating that the agreement is not being respected.”
The spokesperson specifically referred to the ongoing activities of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghan nationals using Afghan soil to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan. “If Afghan citizens continually attack, as they did recently, then we cannot be very optimistic about the ceasefire.”
He stressed that Pakistan’s security forces remain “fully alert” and that the country’s military preparedness is “robust” to counter any threat emerging from across the border.
Responding to questions about the Afghan Taliban regime’s accusations that ISIS elements were operating from Pakistan, the spokesperson dismissed the claims as “outrageous” and a “figment of the imagination.”
He said Pakistan deals with any extremist or terrorist element within its borders according to its laws and that Kabul’s accusations were an attempt to externalize the problem of terrorism, which largely originates on Afghan soil.
Regarding the bilateral dialogue with Afghanistan, the spokesperson stressed that Pakistan never shied away from discussions at the political and labor level.
He noted that from 2021 to mid-2025, Pakistan engaged in a series of initiatives and projects aimed at improving relations and fostering prosperity. “Dialogue, yes, but not as a dialogue of the deaf,” he stated. “It has to be a dialogue based on understanding and recognition of the problems. We welcome dialogue, but we do not want a dialogue that ignores the reality of increasing armed attacks on our soil coming from Afghanistan.”
Andrabi also addressed regional coordination against cross-border terrorism. Pakistan maintains active counter-terrorism mechanisms with Tajikistan, China and within multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (SCO RATS), where Pakistan currently holds the presidency. These platforms are used for dialogue, intelligence sharing and coordination on emerging threats, particularly in light of incidents such as the drone strikes that killed Chinese engineers in Tajikistan and other attacks allegedly linked to networks based in Afghanistan.
While Pakistan continues to pursue diplomacy, it has stressed that the responsibility of controlling elements operating on Afghan soil lies with the Taliban regime. The spokesperson reiterated: “The Taliban regime claims to have control over its territory, so they should control these elements. It is up to Kabul to act accordingly.”
The briefing also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Afghan migration, as tens of thousands of Afghan refugees are still awaiting repatriation or travel to third countries.
Pakistan has urged relevant authorities in host and transit countries to expedite visa processes for these individuals, emphasizing that the country accepted them in a broader humanitarian context following the Taliban takeover.
The spokesperson condemned any narrative that attempts to blame Pakistan for terrorism originating in Afghanistan. “Afghan propaganda, including false claims about ISIS in Pakistan, aims to deflect responsibility for attacks originating on Afghan soil. We categorically reject these allegations,” he said.
Addressing cross-border tensions more broadly, the spokesperson stressed that Pakistan’s response to terrorist activity is measured, lawful and focused on security imperatives. He reaffirmed that any Pakistani air or military action would be publicly announced and fully justified, echoing earlier statements by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
As regional players, including Saudi Arabia, reportedly consider mediation, the spokesperson welcomed the diplomatic initiatives in principle but stressed that no official offer of mediation has been received. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to pursue security and counterterrorism coordination with its neighbors and allies, emphasizing that collaboration and shared responsibility are essential to address transnational threats emerging from Afghanistan.
“The threat of cross-border terrorism is growing and reaching transnational proportions. Pakistan remains committed to regional stability and peace, but will not compromise the security of its citizens and its territory,” the spokesperson stressed.
