Starts in Afghanistan
Starts in Afghanistan: The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan is weak. Recently, it faced another test when both sides exchanged fire along the Balochistan border. According to Pakistani officials, Afghan forces fired without reason. Earlier, Kabul accused Pakistan of carrying out strikes in November, but Pakistan denies this. Previously, Qatar and Türkiye helped both sides sign a ceasefire in October after heavy fighting.
Mediation Needed
However, small clashes continue because talks have stalled. Turkish negotiators planned to visit Islamabad, but they did not come. Pakistan’s Foreign Office says the Taliban are not cooperating. Pakistani and Afghan officials also met in Riyadh, but those talks produced nothing. Even so, friendly countries should keep trying to mediate. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan must also fully join these efforts. Otherwise, more fighting will harm both nations.
Taliban Inaction
Meanwhile, the main problem is the Taliban’s refusal to act against terrorists inside Afghanistan. These groups continue cross-border attacks. Pakistan has suffered from groups like the TTP and BLA operating from Afghan soil. Moreover, other countries now face threats too. For example, attackers from Afghanistan killed several Chinese workers in Tajikistan last month. Tajikistan strongly condemned these actions.
Regional Warnings
Therefore, Pakistan and Afghanistan’s neighbours must clearly tell the Taliban to control these groups. If not, the issue will grow and spread insecurity across the region. Pakistan should continue mediation efforts with friendly states. It must also stay alert along the border. At the same time, Pakistan has allowed UN aid into Afghanistan, which is a positive step. Pakistan says it does not wish to harm the Afghan people. Thus, Pakistan should stay firm on stopping cross-border terrorism while still supporting aid and people-to-people contact.
Published in Dawn, 7th December 2025
