Defence minister says Pakistan-Afghan talks resume Nov 6; cross-border attacks must stop.
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct,31, 2025) Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan cannot return to normal until Kabul completely stops supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In an interview with Geo news, Asif confirmed that an interim agreement was reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan through mediation by Qatar and Turkiye. Another round of talks is scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul to finalize the mechanism for the accord.
He stated that Pakistan’s key demand is an end to cross-border infiltration from Afghan territory, which, he said, continues in various forms. “Not all of the Afghan government is responsible, but several individuals within it are backing such activities,” Asif said.
The minister added that although a ceasefire is currently in place, violations from the Afghan side continue, to which Pakistan is responding. A monitoring and verification system for the agreement is being planned to ensure compliance by all parties, particularly Afghanistan.
Asif stressed that “normal relations as neighbors” are only possible if Kabul halts all forms of TTP support. He said Pakistan values its mediators in Qatar and Turkiye and wants their efforts to succeed.
He further criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s statements, calling them “against national security” and “disappointing.” Asif said Pakistan is fighting for its survival, not for any individual, and warned that “Pakistan’s security cannot operate under any ‘Niazi law.’”
The minister reiterated that Pakistan belongs to its 250 million citizens, not to any one person, and urged provincial leaders to act responsibly for the sake of national stability.
