On Thursday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister stated that “the ball is in the Afghan Taliban’s court” to reach a lasting ceasefire, following a 48-hour truce initiated after deadly cross-border skirmishes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed to his cabinet, “If they wish to settle the issues and meet our legitimate demands within 48 hours, we are ready,” emphasizing the need to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants and prevent the use of Afghan soil for attack plots.
His comments followed the announcement of the 48-hour ceasefire after a violent week along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border that claimed many military and civilian lives on both sides.
Pakistan is contending with a surge in attacks on its western border with Afghanistan, orchestrated by the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) and its allies.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of sheltering TTP-led militant groups, a charge Kabul refutes.
Tensions escalated last week when explosions hit Afghan territory, including the capital, which Taliban officials attributed to Pakistan.
These incidents coincided with Afghanistan’s foreign minister’s rare diplomatic visit to India, Pakistan’s eastern neighbor and long-standing adversary.
In retaliation, Afghan Taliban forces initiated an offensive near the border, prompting Islamabad to promise a firm response.
The temporary ceasefire, commencing at 6 pm Islamabad time (1300 GMT) on Wednesday, aimed to stop the violence and create an opportunity for dialogue.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has consistently urged them to prevent militant groups from using Afghan land for cross-border assaults.
