FO: Afghan truce fraying amid unrelenting terror

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Friday warned that the ceasefire with Afghanistan is effectively "not holding" as cross-border terrorist attacks continue to target Pakistani cities and civilians.

At his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the so-called ceasefire between the two neighbours did not imply a traditional truce between belligerent states, but rather an understanding that the Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

"Let me clarify that the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan does not imply a traditional ceasefire implemented after two belligerent states in a war or conflict situation. It was about preventing terrorist attacks by Afghan-sponsored proxies on Pakistani territory," the spokesperson said.

"There have been major terrorist attacks after this ceasefire, including incidents in Islamabad and other cities, which indicate that the understanding is not being honoured."

The spokesperson specifically referenced ongoing activities by the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghan nationals using the Afghan soil to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan. "If Afghan nationals are continuously attacking, as they did recently, then we cannot be very optimistic about the ceasefire."

He emphasized that Pakistan's security forces remain "fully alert" and that the country's military preparedness is "robust" to counter any threats emanating from across the border.

Responding to questions on the Afghan Taliban regime's allegations that ISIS elements were operating from Pakistan, the spokesperson dismissed the claims as "outrageous" and a "figment of the imagination".

He said that Pakistan treats any extremist or terrorist element within its borders according to its laws and that accusations by Kabul were an attempt to externalise the problem of terrorism, which largely originates on Afghan soil.

On bilateral dialogue with Afghanistan, the spokesperson stressed that Pakistan never shied away from discussions at political and working levels.

He noted that from 2021 through mid-2025, Pakistan engaged in a series of initiatives and projects aimed at improving relations and fostering prosperity. "Dialogue, yes, but not as a dialogue of the deaf," he said. "It has to be a dialogue based on understanding and recognition of the problems. We welcome dialogue, but we do not want a dialogue that ignores the reality of increasing armed attacks on our soil emanating from Afghanistan."

Andrabi also addressed regional coordination against cross-border terrorism. Pakistan maintains active counter-terrorism mechanisms with Tajikistan, China, and within multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS), where Pakistan currently holds the chair. These platforms are used for dialogue, intelligence-sharing, and coordination on emerging threats, particularly in light of incidents like the drone strikes that killed Chinese engineers in Tajikistan and other attacks allegedly linked to Afghan-based networks.

While Pakistan continues to pursue diplomacy, it has stressed that responsibility lies with the Taliban regime to control elements operating on Afghan soil. The spokesperson reiterated, "The Taliban regime claims to have control over their territory, so they should control these elements. This is for Kabul to act upon."

The briefing also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Afghan migration, with tens of thousands of Afghan refugees still awaiting repatriation or travel to third countries.

Pakistan has urged relevant authorities in host and transit nations to expedite visa processes for these individuals, emphasizing that the country accepted them in a broader humanitarian context following the Taliban takeover.

The spokesperson condemned any narrative attempting to blame Pakistan for terrorism originating in Afghanistan. "Afghan propaganda, including false claims about ISIS in Pakistan, is intended to shift responsibility for attacks that originate on Afghan soil. We categorically reject these allegations," he said.

Addressing cross-border tensions more broadly, the spokesperson underscored that Pakistan's response to terrorist activity is measured, legal, and focused on security imperatives. He reaffirmed that any Pakistani aerial or military action would be publicly announced and fully accounted for, echoing prior statements by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

As regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, reportedly consider mediation, the spokesperson welcomed diplomatic initiatives in principle but emphasized that no official mediation offer has been received. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to pursue coordination on security and counter-terrorism with its neighbors and allies, stressing that collaboration and shared responsibility are essential to address the transnational threats emerging from Afghanistan.

"The menace of cross-border terrorism is growing and reaching transnational proportions. Pakistan remains committed to regional stability and peace but will not compromise on the security of its citizens and territory," the spokesperson stressed.