PM Shehbaz: Pakistan ready for talks if Afghanistan meets ‘justified’ conditions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan is ready to hold talks if Afghanistan is willing to fulfill Islamabad's "justified" conditions in the wake of recent tensions between the two neighbours.

Addressing the federal cabinet in Islamabad, the premier said, “It is crucial to eliminate those who are committing acts of violence and attacking Pakistan.”

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated following cross-border attacks last week, which Pakistani officials described as unprovoked firing from the Afghan side, prompting a response from Pakistani forces.

After these clashes, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on October 15 that, at Afghanistan’s request, a temporary 48-hour ceasefire had been agreed upon. PM Sharif confirmed this during the cabinet meeting, stating, “They requested a ceasefire, and yesterday we decided to implement a 48-hour temporary ceasefire.”

He added, “During these 48 hours, if they want to negotiate on our justified conditions to resolve the issues, we are ready for that. This message has already been conveyed to them.”

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The prime minister stressed Pakistan’s goodwill toward its Afghan neighbours, saying, “We sincerely tried to explain to the Afghan government that the millions of people living there are our brothers and sisters. Pakistan has always acted with genuine goodwill for our Afghan brothers and sisters, fulfilling our duty.”

Expressing concern over continued attacks, he said, “Despite our sincere efforts, terrorists operating from across the border continue to receive free rein. They have not only killed innocent Pakistani civilians but also martyred soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement officers.”

Regarding Pakistan’s response to the attacks, PM Sharif noted, “After recent events, our patience has been exhausted. Previously, the Deputy Prime Minister and other officials, including the Defence Minister, visited Kabul multiple times to engage in constructive dialogue, emphasising that we are neighbouring countries and must coexist peacefully.”

He criticised Afghanistan’s lack of action, saying, “Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the attacks continued, reportedly influenced by India, while Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Muttaki was in Delhi at the time. Pakistan was left with no choice but to respond, and the Armed Forces acted accordingly.”