The announcement of an immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan marks an important development in the fraught relationship between the two neighbours.
Following intense and high-level negotiations held in Doha, facilitated by Qatar with mediation support from Turkiye, both countries pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan has never desired conflict with Afghanistan or any neighboring country, understanding that regional stability is fundamental to shared progress. However, the surge in terrorism emanating from Afghan soil often with the tacit or active support of Afghan authoritieshas exacted a heavy toll, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where countless innocent lives have been lost. Over the years, Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns during talks with Afghan authorities about use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups to carry out cross-border attacks. Unfortunately, these concerns went largely unaddressed.In this context, our military action against terrorist camps operating across the border was both justified and necessary. No country can sit idly while terror groups use its neighbor’s territory as a launchpad for attacks.
The recent ceasefire agreement is thus not only a diplomatic achievement but also a test of Afghanistan’s commitment to peace and security.The true challenge now lies in implementation of this ceasefire. The Afghan authorities will have to uphold their commitments and address legitimate security concerns of Pakistan. The era of turning a blind eye to terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil must end. These groups must be dismantled decisively and comprehensively and Afghanistan must demonstrate both the will and practical action to curb terrorism. Pakistan stands ready to assist in this endeavor, recognising that peace and stability within Afghanistan will benefit not only Afghan people but the entire region.
The roles of Qatar and Turkiye in brokering this agreement deserve special commendation. Their persistent mediation effortsopened a vital channel for dialogue. The upcoming follow-up meetings, including planned talks in Istanbul, should build upon this momentum to establish a permanent mechanism for peace and stability.Ultimately, peace is not just the absence of conflict but foundation for unlocking economic cooperation, connectivity and development opportunities across South and Central Asia.
For the sake of Afghanistan’s long-suffering people, the Afghan authorities must abandon any tacit support for terrorist groups and adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards all forms of extremism. Only then can a lasting peace flourish, allowing both nations to focus on prosperity and progress rather than conflict and suspicion.
