Truce with Afghanistan “Not Holding” as Cross-Border Attacks Persist, Says Pakistan

DID Press: Pakistan declared that its ceasefire with Afghanistan is “not sustainable” because terrorist attacks are ongoing from Afghanistan soil.

Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, said on Friday (Nov. 28) during his weekly briefing that the purpose of the ceasefire was to prevent terror attacks inside Pakistan, but “major attacks have continued even after the ceasefire was announced.”

Referring to the activities of the TTP, the Kharijite faction, and Afghan elements involved in the attacks, he stressed that Islamabad is not optimistic about maintaining the ceasefire, noting that recent security incidents in parts of the country—including the capital—have deepened concerns.

The October 17 ceasefire began after a week of border clashes which, according to Pakistan, were triggered by “unprovoked” Taliban fire and resulted in the killing of more than 200 Taliban fighters and affiliated militants. Pakistani security forces also claimed to have dismantled targeted operations inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Pakistan’s security forces are “fully alert” to potential threats from Afghanistan and that the country’s military readiness remains “strong.” He said he was unaware of possible Saudi mediation but added that Islamabad would welcome such an initiative.

Andrabi dismissed the Afghan Taliban’s allegations about ISIS activity in Pakistan as “baseless” and a “fabrication by Kabul,” adding that Islamabad consistently raises the issue of cross-border terrorism in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Responding to a question regarding the Taliban’s recent claims about attacks by elements in Tajikistan, Andrabi reiterated: “This is exactly what we are saying—control these elements; they are present on Afghan soil.”