Pakistan warns ceasefire will not be ‘indefinite’; Conditions Istanbul agrees to a ‘provisional’ agreement
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Afghan Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid shake hands after signing a ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar and Turkey in Doha on October 19. Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan may have welcomed the understanding reached with Afghanistan in Istanbul under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar, but officials clarified on Friday that the agreement was “interim” and that the ceasefire was neither indefinite nor unconditional.
According to official sources, key conditions of the agreement include that Afghanistan must not allow its territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan; must take clear, verifiable and effective measures against Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and other terrorist entities, including Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).
“Credible evidence of actions is expected, including the dismantling of terrorist hideouts, the disruption of logistical channels, the arrest or prosecution of leaders and the submission of transparent reporting through a monitoring and verification mechanism,” the sources said.
The officials stressed that Afghanistan’s failure to present verifiable evidence, or continued attacks from Afghan soil, will be considered a violation of the ceasefire, and Pakistan reserves all options to protect its sovereignty and its citizens.
Pakistan entered this phase in “good faith”, but stressed that the truce is conditional and that demonstrable responsibility is required on the part of the Afghan side.
“Peace is our preference; protection of Pakistan’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable,” the sources said.
Meanwhile, following the Istanbul talks, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi provided more details during a briefing.
He noted that the Pakistani delegation engaged with the Afghan Taliban regime without compromising the position that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.
While substantial discussions were taking place, the Taliban acknowledged the presence of the TTP and BLA leaders in their territory and offered explanations for their continued presence.
The spokesperson highlighted that the monitoring and verification mechanism established under the auspices of the mediators will serve as an impartial tool to track compliance. Written assurances remain part of ongoing discussions, with the next round of talks scheduled for November 6.
He also emphasized that local commanders and military authorities along the border would assess any potential ceasefire violations and respond accordingly. Pakistan has maintained multiple channels of interaction, including a 24/7 hotline for refugee-related issues, underscoring its commitment to both peace and the protection of its territory.
He also ruled out immediately reopening border crossings, saying the situation at the moment does not justify such a decision.
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been closed for almost three weeks.
Sources said the relationship with Afghanistan depends on one point: how Kabul effectively and decisively addresses Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
