Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Islamabad is prepared to enter talks with Afghanistan, but only on “legitimate and mutually respectful conditions,” following intense cross-border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured. His remarks came a day after both countries agreed to a fragile 48-hour ceasefire, which has mostly held since taking effect on Wednesday. The temporary truce halted several days of fighting and airstrikes, which United Nations reports indicated killed at least 18 civilians and injured more than 360. Pakistani authorities, meanwhile, claimed their forces had killed 34 militants in operations targeting what they described as “terrorist hideouts” along the border.
Sharif emphasised that the readiness for dialogue depends on Afghanistan’s willingness to engage sincerely and warned that the ceasefire should not be used merely to delay negotiations. “If they want to talk on our valid conditions and want to resolve through dialogue, we are ready for that,” he said, asserting that the “ball is in their court.” He accused Kabul of failing to control militant groups operating from its territory and highlighted that Pakistan had exercised patience despite repeated provocations. Sharif also suggested that the escalation may have occurred “at India’s behest,” noting that Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in New Delhi when hostilities began.
The prime minister mentioned that Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned the violence during a recent meeting in Egypt and offered to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul. High-level Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, have previously visited Kabul to push for peace. Sharif reiterated that Pakistan seeks stability through consultation and cooperation rather than confrontation, but only if Afghanistan demonstrates sincerity in addressing cross-border security concerns.
From Kabul, Afghan officials have highlighted sovereignty and mutual respect. Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, speaking to Iranian officials, stressed that Afghanistan seeks good relations with neighbours and expects their goodwill in return. Kabul denies Pakistan’s claims of militant groups operating on its soil and has accused Islamabad of spreading misinformation and supporting ISIS-linked fighters, a charge Pakistan rejects. The ongoing tensions underscore a fragile security environment along the border and a delicate path forward for dialogue between the two neighbours.
