Pakistan warns ceasefire not ‘open ended’; Terms Istanbul understanding ‘interim’ deal
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid shake hands following the signing of a ceasefire agreement mediated 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 on Friday clarified the agreement was “interim” and the ceasefire was neither open-ended nor unconditional.
According to official sources, the key conditions of the understanding include Afghanistan must not allow its territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan; it must take clear, verifiable, and effective steps against Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and other terrorist entities, including Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).
“Credible evidence of action, including dismantling terrorist hideouts, disrupting logistical channels, arresting or prosecuting leadership, and transparent reporting through a monitoring-and-verification mechanism is expected,” sources said.
Officials stressed that the failure by Afghanistan to deliver verifiable proof, or continued attacks from Afghan soil, will be deemed a violation of the ceasefire, and Pakistan reserves all options to protect its sovereignty and citizens.
Pakistan entered this phase in “good faith”, but underscored that the truce is conditional, with demonstrable responsibility required from 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 Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi provided further details during a briefing.
He noted that Pakistan’s delegation engaged with the Afghan Taliban regime without compromising on the position that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.
While substantive discussions were ongoing, the Taliban acknowledged the presence of the TTP and the BLA leadership on their territory and offered explanations for their continued presence.
The spokesperson highlighted that the monitoring and verification mechanism established under the mediators’ auspices will serve as an impartial tool to track compliance. Written guarantees 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 evaluate any potential violations of the ceasefire and respond accordingly. Pakistan has maintained multiple channels of engagement, 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 the immediate reopening of border crossings, saying the situation at this stage does not warrant such a decision.
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained shut for now almost three weeks.
The sources said relationship with Afghanistan hinges on one point — how Kabul effectively and decisively addresses Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns.
