PM: Pakistan ready for talks if Kabul accepts “justified” conditions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Islamabad was prepared to engage in talks with Kabul, provided that Afghanistan agreed to Pakistan’s “justified” conditions, following a recent escalation in cross-border hostilities.

On October 15, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire after a renewed round of deadly clashes. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the ceasefire—implemented at Kabul’s request and with mutual consent—took effect at 6pm local time on October 15, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

Addressing the federal cabinet after the conflict, PM Shehbaz said, “Yesterday we decided the temporary 48-hour ceasefire [and] the message has been sent that if they want to fulfil our justified conditions through talks, then we are ready. The ball is in their court.”

He added that if the Afghan side was “sincere and serious,” then it should take steps toward dialogue. He also noted the role of allied nations, particularly Qatar, in facilitating efforts to resolve the situation.

The premier expressed hope that the ceasefire could lead to a long-term resolution, including the elimination of “Fitna al-Khawarij” from Afghan territory—referring to militants from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “If this was only done to buy time then we won’t accept it,” he warned.

He recalled that Pakistani officials had made several visits to Kabul to engage in cordial discussions for mutual peace, but “despite all efforts, this was not possible.” He further claimed, “When this attack was ongoing on Pakistan, on India’s complete incitement, their (Afghan) Foreign Minister [Amir] Muttaqi was in New Delhi, so we were forced to give a comprehensive response.”

Shehbaz thanked the armed forces and Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying their response was “necessary” given the martyrdoms suffered in recent anti-terror operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva