ISLAMABAD, (HAN) — The government of Pakistan has said that any potential ceasefire with militant groups depends on Afghanistan’s ability to curb the activities of armed factions operating inside its territory.
Pakistani officials stated that continued cross-border attacks and the presence of militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan pose a major threat to Pakistan’s security and regional stability. They emphasized that Islamabad will not enter into a ceasefire agreement unless Kabul takes concrete steps to dismantle militant networks allegedly using Afghan soil to launch attacks on Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters, a government spokesperson said Pakistan has repeatedly raised its concerns with Afghan authorities, urging them to prevent groups linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist organizations from carrying out cross-border operations.
Tensions between the two neighboring countries have grown in recent months following a surge in attacks targeting Pakistani security forces near the Afghan border. Islamabad accuses the TTP of using bases in Afghanistan to regroup and plan assaults, a claim Afghan officials have previously denied.
Analysts say the statement signals a tougher stance from Pakistan, which has been pressing the Taliban-led government in Kabul to fulfill its counterterrorism commitments. Both sides, however, continue to express willingness to maintain diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
