LAHORE: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a crucial understanding to jointly combat the growing threat of terrorism along their shared border, following mediation by Qatar and Turkey.
پاکستان اور افغانستان کے مابین سیز فائر کا معاہدہ طے پاگیا۔ پاکستان کی سرزمین پہ افغانستان سے دھشت گردی کا سلسلہ فی الفور بند ھوگا۔ دونوں ھمسایہ ملک ایک دوسرے کی سرزمین کا احترام کریں گے الحمدوللہ
25اکتوبر کو استنبول میں دوبارہ وفود میں ملاقات ھو گی۔ اور تفصیلی معاملات بات ھوگی۔… pic.twitter.com/OKNbRuXEPU— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) October 18, 2025
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Asif said terrorism has deeply impacted border regions on both sides, adding that the agreement marks “a hopeful step toward peace and improved bilateral relations.” He credited Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Turkish envoy Ibrahim Kalin for playing key roles in facilitating the dialogue.
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The understanding comes after weeks of escalating tensions and cross-border clashes between the two nations. “The Afghan Defence Minister has also admitted that terrorism is the main reason for friction in our relationship,” Asif said. A follow-up meeting to finalize technical details of the agreement will be held next week in Istanbul, with Qatari and Turkish representatives continuing as guarantors.
Read More: Doha Talks End with Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Agreement
On trade and refugee matters, Asif noted that once relations normalize, Afghanistan will be able to resume using Pakistani ports, and trade and transit ties can be restored. He clarified that Afghan refugees with valid documents will be allowed to stay, but undocumented individuals will continue to be repatriated.
“As neighbors, we have no choice but to find a way to coexist peacefully,” the minister said, emphasizing that “time will tell how sincerely both sides implement the agreement.”