ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan cannot return to normal until Kabul completely ends its support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Speaking to media, Asif said that a provisional agreement was reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan, brokered by Qatar and Türkiye. He said another round of talks would take place on November 6 to finalize the mechanism of the agreement.
The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s foremost demand is to halt cross-border infiltration from Afghan soil, which, he said, still continues in some form. While refraining from blaming the entire Afghan government, he noted that several individuals within it back such activities.
Asif stated that a ceasefire is currently being observed and both sides have agreed to maintain it. However, he said violations from the Afghan side persist, prompting Pakistan to respond. He added that a system for monitoring and verifying the agreement is being developed to ensure compliance, particularly by the Afghan side, so that those under their protection do not infiltrate into Pakistan.
He reiterated that peaceful coexistence is possible only if Afghanistan ends its patronage of the TTP. “If this support continues, our relations with Afghanistan will never normalize,” he warned. The defence minister said that the upcoming Istanbul meeting of the working group on November 6 will help shape the implementation mechanism. He appreciated the mediatory role of Qatar and Türkiye, saying Pakistan values its ties with both nations and hopes their efforts succeed.
Asif added that although some progress has been made, the agreement will only be effective once cross-border infiltration completely stops. “A glimmer of hope is visible due to the mediators’ pressure, but trusting Afghanistan will be difficult until there are guarantees against such incursions,” he remarked.
Criticizing statements made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Asif said his remarks are disappointing and contrary to national security interests. “The chief minister wants to take directions from someone sitting inside and follow the so-called ‘Niazi law,’ under which the provincial government is being run. This cannot continue,” he asserted.
The minister said Pakistan is fighting for its survival, not for any individual. “If the chief minister claims that without Niazi law Pakistan cannot function, that is not patriotism but hostility towards the country,” he stated.
Asif stressed that the KP chief minister, as part of the federation, should play his role in national matters. “Pakistan does not belong to one person. People come and go, but the country belongs to 250 million citizens,” he added.
He concluded that those aligning with the “Niazi law” are endangering Pakistan’s stability and indirectly supporting terrorism. “Their stance strengthens Afghanistan’s position in the talks instead of Pakistan’s,” the defence minister warned.
