ISLAMABAD (AP) – Pakistan has expressed its intention to avoid further escalation of hostilities with Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for the Taliban-led government in Kabul to address its security concerns by taking decisive action against militants operating from Afghan territory. This statement was made by the Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, on Friday.
Andrabi's remarks reflect a potential easing of tensions between the two neighboring countries, which previously faced a serious exchange of fire along their border earlier this month, resulting in numerous casualties among soldiers, civilians, and militants. The exchange of fire prompted an urgent need for dialogue and resolution.
The comments from Pakistan came a day after agreements were reached between the two nations to maintain a ceasefire, following nearly a week of negotiations facilitated by Turkey and Qatar. These talks aimed to prevent a wider conflict in a region where various extremist groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, are attempting to regain a foothold.
Earlier in October, Pakistan's military conducted strikes against alleged Pakistani Taliban hideouts within Afghanistan, claiming to have killed many insurgents. Conversely, Afghanistan reported civilian casualties and retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military positions, claiming to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, while Pakistan acknowledged a loss of 23 soldiers during the conflict.
As tensions grew, Qatar extended an invitation for delegations from both sides to meet in Doha, where a ceasefire was agreed upon on October 19. The subsequent days involved complex negotiations in Istanbul, culminating in a renewed agreement for a ceasefire that both parties have committed to uphold.
Andrabi also recognized the meaningful role played by Qatar and Turkey in the mediation efforts, revealing plans for another meeting in Istanbul scheduled for November 6, aimed at finalizing the mechanisms necessary for implementing the ceasefire.
Recent months have seen a troubling increase in militant attacks within Pakistan, predominantly attributed to the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP has been designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the United Nations. Although distinct from the Afghan Taliban, it has gained momentum and influence following the latter's takeover of Kabul in 2021.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, both countries have kept their major border crossings closed, affecting comércio and leading to the entrapment of hundreds of trucks filled with goods and thousands of refugees. Andrabi stated that all border crossings with Afghanistan remain shut due to security concerns, though some efforts are being made to facilitate the return of refugees through the southwestern Chaman border crossing.
On the Afghan side, Border Police spokesperson Abidullah Uqab Farooqi announced that the Torkham crossing would partially reopen on Saturday only for refugees. Yet, Pakistan has not confirmed any plans for the reopening of this crucial facility. Additionally, the situation for Afghan refugees remains pressing, as highlighted by the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan, Ahmad Shakeeb, who pointed out the plight of stranded refugees arising from the closures.
On Friday, Andrabi criticized the Afghan ambassador for violating diplomatic norms by airing grievances publicly on social media rather than engaging directly with Pakistan's Foreign Ministry. Since 2023, Pakistan has intensified efforts against illegal immigrants, leading to the deportation of over a million Afghans.
