ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the recent ceasefire agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a major step to establish lasting peace in the region.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabia, Khawaja Asif lauded the mediation efforts of Qatar and Turkey, adding that both nations played a key role in the agreement.
The ceasefire was reached this weekend during talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, following a week of heightened hostilities along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
A follow-up round of negotiations between the two countries is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25.
Khawaja Asif, who led the Pakistani delegation in talks, stated that last week’s terrorist attacks led to direct clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, pushing both countries to recognise that lasting peace is unattainable without the swift elimination of terrorism.
He said the main goal of the ceasefire agreement is to dismantle terrorist networks along the border and reduce tensions between the two nations.
Asif also noted that a meeting is scheduled for next week in Istanbul to finalise the terms of the agreement, which was mediated by Qatar and Turkiye.
He noted, “The Afghan defence minister has also acknowledged that terrorism is the primary source of tension between the two countries, and effective measures will be implemented to control it.”
Khawaja Asif stressed that the presence of Qatar and Turkey guarantees the agreement’s success.
He hoped the pact would help to normalise Pakistan-Afghanistan ties, reduce border tensions, and restore trade and transit systems between the two states.
Khawaja Asif stated that Afghanistan will regain access to Pakistani ports, and Afghan refugees holding valid visas and identification documents will be allowed to remain in the country.
However, he clarified that the repatriation of undocumented refugees will proceed as planned.
He also stressed the need for formalising the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in line with international standards to avoid future misunderstandings and conflicts.
“It is too early to claim full satisfaction; we will have to observe in the coming weeks and months how effectively this agreement is implemented,” he added.
