ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has cautioned that it was too early to claim complete satisfaction with the Pakistan-Afghan ceasefire.
“We must observe in the coming weeks and months how effectively the agreement is implemented,” said Defense Minister Khawaja Asif in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabia.
According to the minister, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the head of the Turkish delegation Ibrahim played key roles in mediating the deal.
“The main purpose of this agreement is to eliminate the menace of terrorism, which has long affected the border regions of both countries,” Khawaja Asif said. He added that the issue of terrorism had recently escalated into direct clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, prompting urgent talks to prevent further deterioration.
“Both nations have now agreed that the immediate eradication of terrorism is crucial. If this challenge is not addressed seriously, regional peace could face severe threats,” he stated.
The minister confirmed that the agreement was primarily brokered through the mediation efforts of Qatar and Turkey, adding that another high-level meeting will be held in Istanbul next week to finalize the remaining details.
The Afghan Defence Minister also acknowledged that terrorism has been the root cause of tension between the two countries and expressed commitment to addressing it collaboratively.
“A clear and effective mechanism will be established to resolve existing issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Khawaja Asif explained. He emphasized that the presence of Qatar and Turkey in the process serves as a guarantee for the success of the agreement.
Pakistan’s defence minister highlighted the heavy human and financial losses suffered by both sides over the years due to cross-border terrorism, expressing hope that the ceasefire would pave the way for lasting peace and normalization of bilateral relations.
He noted that as peace returns, Pakistan-Afghanistan trade and transit operations will resume, allowing Afghanistan to use Pakistani ports once again.
Regarding Afghan refugees, Khawaja Asif clarified that those with valid visas and documents would be allowed to stay in Pakistan, while undocumented migrants would continue to be repatriated.
He also stressed the need for a formalized system for cross-border movement, similar to international practices elsewhere. “Pakistan and Afghanistan have been neighbors for centuries; geography cannot be changed. We hope this agreement marks the beginning of stronger and more peaceful relations between our two countries,” Khawaja Asif concluded, expressing gratitude to Qatar and Turkey for their support and mediation.
