Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that a provisional agreement has been reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent talks. The discussions, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed to ease tensions between the two neighbours. Asif said another round of negotiations is scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul, where the framework and mechanism for the agreement will be finalized.

The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s main demand is to stop cross-border infiltration from Afghan soil, which he said continues in various forms. “I won’t blame the entire Afghan government,” Asif said, “but many individuals within it support such activities.”

According to Asif, a ceasefire is currently holding between the two sides, and both countries have agreed to maintain it. However, he noted that violations from the Afghan side are still occurring, to which Pakistan is responding. He added that a monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to ensure all parties respect the ceasefire — especially to prevent armed groups sheltering in Afghanistan from launching attacks inside Pakistan.

Khawaja Asif reiterated that normal relations between the two countries will only be possible if Afghanistan completely ends its support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He said that the Istanbul working group meeting on November 6 will gradually define the implementation process. “We value our relations with the mediators, Qatar and Turkey, and want them to be credited for the success of these talks,” he added.

The defence minister said that while there has been some progress, the agreement’s success depends entirely on ending cross-border attacks. “A small ray of hope is visible due to the mediators’ pressure,” he remarked, “but it will be hard for us to trust until there are clear guarantees from the guarantors ensuring no infiltration from Afghan soil.”

Commenting on domestic politics, Asif criticized the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for making statements that he said were “against national security.” He accused the provincial leadership of following “Niazi Law” — referring to PTI founder Imran Khan — instead of acting as partners in national security. “Pakistan is fighting for its survival, not for any individual,” Asif said. “Those who place loyalty to one man above the state are undermining Pakistan’s unity and indirectly aiding terrorism.”