Peace Situation
Peace Situation: The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains fragile, said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He spoke at a forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. He urged the international community to pressure the Afghan Taliban to stop terrorists from using Afghan soil to attack other countries. Turkish President Recep Erdogan offered help to maintain a longer ceasefire between Islamabad and Kabul.
Afghan Soil Pledge
Recently, about 1,000 Afghan clerics met in Kabul. They issued a resolution to ban fighters from crossing the border. This is a positive step. Its success depends on whether Afghanistan-based militants reduce attacks on Pakistan.
The clerics pledged that Afghan soil would not be used against other countries. They called for action against anyone who breaks this rule. They referred to the 2023 decree by Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. He forbade Afghan nationals from joining military actions abroad, including attacks on Pakistan. Terrorists, however, ignored this order and continue attacking Pakistan.
Rebuild Pakistan Trust
The resolution aims to rebuild trust with Pakistan. It tries to prevent relations from worsening. Independent clerics issued it, not the Taliban authorities. One Afghan participant said Mullah Akhundzada does not want problems with neighbors. The number of Afghans in cross-border attacks has risen. The resolution also tries to stop this trend.
Pakistani Terrorists Issue
Questions remain about Pakistani terrorists based in Afghanistan. Will the Taliban act against them? If Afghan authorities realize that allowing groups like the TTP to attack Pakistan will isolate Afghanistan, then this step could be “better late than never.”
Foreign Office Response
Pakistan’s Foreign Office cautiously welcomed the resolution. Continued tension benefits neither country. Friendly states must continue mediation. Once terrorism stops, both countries can build a productive relationship.
Published in Dawn,14th December 2025
