ISLAMABAD: Pakistan declared on Friday that the ceasefire with Afghanistan is currently not effective, citing persistent terrorist activities within Afghan territory. During his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the agreement was primarily aimed at preventing terrorist attacks inside Pakistan rather than serving as a traditional ceasefire.
He emphasized, “Despite the agreement, significant terrorist assaults continue. The ceasefire was meant to curb attacks on Pakistan by groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Faction of Khawarij (FAK), and Afghan nationals operating from Afghan soil. Unfortunately, this objective has not been achieved.”
Andrabi expressed skepticism about the prospects of stability, especially in light of recent terrorist incidents in various parts of Pakistan, including the federal capital. The ceasefire, reached on October 17, was a response to border skirmishes that erupted after Afghan Taliban factions and affiliated militants instigated hostilities.
The conflict led to Pakistan’s armed forces killing over 200 Taliban fighters and their affiliates following unprovoked firing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on October 12. Pakistani security forces also carried out targeted strikes within Afghanistan, including in Kabul, targeting terrorist hideouts.
When asked about potential security threats from Afghanistan, Andrabi assured that Pakistan’s military remains vigilant. “Our forces are fully prepared, and we will address any security challenges with the seriousness they deserve,” he stated.
Regarding mediation efforts, Andrabi clarified that he was unaware of any offers from Saudi Arabia to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan but noted Islamabad’s openness to such initiatives.
Dismissal of Daesh Claims and Regional Terrorism
The spokesperson dismissed Kabul’s assertions about Daesh operating within Pakistan as “baseless and exaggerated,” describing such claims as “outrageous” and a product of Kabul’s imagination. He reiterated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in regional counter-terrorism coordination through bilateral and multilateral channels.
Responding to a query about the Afghan Taliban’s comments blaming “certain elements” for the attack on Tajikistan, Andrabi pointed out that these groups are indeed present on Afghan soil, supporting Pakistan’s stance.
He condemned the attack on Chinese nationals in Tajikistan as a “heinous terrorist act” and expressed condolences for the victims. Reports indicated that at least three Chinese workers were killed in an assault launched from Afghanistan near the Tajik border, involving drones and firearm attacks targeting a Chinese company’s employees.
