ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan warned Friday that the ceasefire with Afghanistan “does not hold” as cross-border terrorist attacks continue to target Pakistani cities and civilians.
During his weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the so-called ceasefire between the two neighbors did not imply a traditional truce between warring states, but rather the agreement that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorist purposes against Pakistan.
“Let me clarify that the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan does not involve a traditional ceasefire implemented after two warring states are in a situation of war or conflict. It is to prevent terrorist attacks by Afghan-sponsored proxies on Pakistani territory,” the spokesperson said.
“Major terrorist attacks have taken place after this ceasefire, including incidents in Islamabad and other cities, which indicate that the agreement is not being respected.”
The spokesperson specifically referred to the ongoing activities of the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghan nationals using Afghan soil to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan. “If Afghan nationals continually attack, as they have done recently, then we cannot be very optimistic about the ceasefire.”
He stressed that Pakistani security forces remain “fully alert” and the country’s military preparedness is “robust” to counter any threats emanating from across the border.
Responding to questions about the Afghan Taliban regime’s allegations that ISIS elements were operating from Pakistan, the spokesperson called the claims “scandalous” and a “figment of the imagination.”
He said Pakistan dealt with any extremist or terrorist elements within its borders in accordance with its laws and that Kabul’s accusations were an attempt to externalize the problem of terrorism, which largely originated on Afghan soil.
Regarding the bilateral dialogue with Afghanistan, the spokesperson stressed that Pakistan has never hesitated to participate in discussions at the political and operational levels.
He noted that between 2021 and mid-2025, Pakistan has embarked on 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 must be a dialogue based on understanding and recognition of the problems. We are in favor of dialogue, but we do not want a dialogue that ignores the reality of the increase in armed attacks on our soil from Afghanistan.”
Andrabi also addressed regional coordination against cross-border terrorism. Pakistan maintains active counter-terrorism mechanisms with Tajikistan, China and in multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Counter-Terrorism Structure (SCO RATS), of which Pakistan currently holds the chairmanship. These platforms are used for dialogue, intelligence sharing and coordination on emerging threats, particularly in light of incidents such as drone strikes that killed Chinese engineers in Tajikistan and other attacks allegedly linked to networks based in Afghanistan.
While continuing its diplomatic efforts, Pakistan stressed that the responsibility for controlling elements operating on Afghan soil lies with the Taliban regime. The spokesperson reiterated: “The Taliban regime claims to control its territory, so it should control these elements. It is up to Kabul to act accordingly. »
The briefing also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Afghan migration, with tens of thousands of Afghan refugees still waiting to be repatriated or travel to third countries.
Pakistan urged relevant authorities in host and transit countries to expedite visa procedures for these people, emphasizing that the country accepted them in a broader humanitarian context after 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, aims to shift responsibility for attacks originating from Afghan soil. We categorically reject these allegations,” he said.
Addressing cross-border tensions more broadly, the spokesperson stressed that Pakistan’s response to terrorist activities is measured, legal and security-driven. He reiterated that any Pakistani air or military action would be publicly announced and fully justified, echoing earlier statements by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
With regional players including Saudi Arabia reportedly considering mediation, the spokesperson welcomed diplomatic initiatives in principle, but stressed that no formal offer of mediation had been received. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to pursue security and counter-terrorism coordination with its neighbors and allies, emphasizing that collaboration and shared responsibilities are essential to confront transnational threats emerging from Afghanistan.
“The threat of cross-border terrorism is increasing 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.
