ISTANBUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend a ceasefire during talks in Istanbul after the worst border clashes between the neighbors in years, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday, adding that onus was now on Kabul to take action against militant groups.
The fresh round of negotiations, facilitated by Turkiye and other friendly nations, was aimed at easing border tensions between the two sides who earlier this month exchanged fire, leaving dozens of soldiers, civilians and militants dead, before a ceasefire was reached on Oct. 19.
Despite the collapse of multiple rounds of talks, the ceasefire has largely held and no new border clashes were reported this week. However, both countries have kept major crossings closed, leaving hundreds of trucks carrying goods and refugees stranded on each side.
Speaking to a Pakistani news channel, Information Minister Tarar described the outcome of talks Istanbul talks as a “victory” for Pakistan and said the responsibility now rests with the Afghan Taliban to take concrete action against militant groups.
“Pakistan’s stance has been clear, support for terrorism must end. A mechanism for monitoring, verification, and enforcement in case of violations will also be implemented,” he said, thanking Qatar and Turkiye for their mediation.
