Pakistan on Friday said the recently announced ceasefire with Afghanistan is effectively collapsing, as terrorist attacks inside the country continue despite the agreement
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, in his weekly press briefing, clarified that the October 17 ceasefire was not a traditional truce, but a mechanism meant specifically to stop cross-border attacks by militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
“There have been major terrorist incidents even after this ceasefire. In that sense, the ceasefire is not holding, as it was aimed at stopping attacks inside Pakistan by TTP, FAK, and Afghan nationals using Afghan soil,” Andrabi said. He added that given the recent flare-ups in various regions, including the federal capital, Islamabad was “not very optimistic” about the arrangement.
The ceasefire followed a week of intense border clashes triggered by what Pakistan described as provocations from the Afghan Taliban regime and its proxy groups. The confrontation left over 200 Taliban fighters and affiliated militants dead, according to Pakistani security forces. The military also conducted targeted strikes inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul, destroying several militant hideouts.
On security preparedness, the FO spokesperson said Pakistan’s forces are “fully alert” and ready to tackle any emerging challenges.
Addressing reports of possible mediation, Andrabi said he was not aware of any offer from Saudi Arabia to help defuse tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. However, he added that Pakistan would welcome any constructive diplomatic effort.
Islamabad Rejects Taliban Allegations on Daesh
Andrabi dismissed as “outrageous” the Afghan Taliban’s claims that Daesh operates inside Pakistan, calling the accusations baseless and imaginative. He stressed that terrorism originating from within Afghanistan continues to destabilize the region and said Pakistan is actively raising the issue at bilateral and multilateral forums.
When asked about an Afghan Taliban statement that blamed “certain elements” for the recent attack in Tajikistan, Andrabi said the remark only reinforces Pakistan’s long-standing position: “Control these elements they are present on Afghan soil.”
Attack on Chinese Workers Condemned
The spokesperson condemned the killing of three Chinese workers in Tajikistan in what authorities described as a drone and firearm attack launched from Afghanistan. The victims were employees of a Chinese company operating in southern Tajikistan.
Andrabi called it a “heinous terrorist act” and expressed condolences over the loss of life.
