Afghanistan Times Latest News and Analysis from Afghanistan and the Region
Related Articles
KABUL – Pakistan on Friday said it does not seek further escalation of hostilities with Afghanistan but urged Kabul’s Taliban authorities to take “credible action” against militants operating from Afghan soil, signaling a possible thaw after weeks of deadly border clashes.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad expects Afghanistan to address its security concerns and prevent cross-border attacks, emphasizing that Pakistan remains committed to maintaining the ceasefire reached through Türkiye and Qatar’s mediation. His remarks came after both sides agreed to uphold the truce following nearly a week of talks in Istanbul that ended late Thursday.
Earlier this month, clashes along the border left dozens dead after Pakistan carried out airstrikes against what it called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts inside Afghanistan. Kabul condemned the attacks, claiming civilians were killed and retaliating with strikes on Pakistani posts.
Andrabi praised Doha and Ankara for their peace efforts and confirmed that technical talks would resume in Istanbul on November 6 to finalize ceasefire mechanisms. However, he said border crossings remain closed for trade due to security reasons, though refugee repatriations continue through the Chaman crossing.
Tensions have flared as Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP militants, while Afghanistan has decried Pakistani military operations as violations of sovereignty. The ceasefire, coupled with diplomatic engagement, has temporarily eased fears of a wider confrontation between the two neighbors.
