Pakistan Says ‘Ball in Afghan Taliban’s Court’ for Permanent Ceasefire
Pakistan Open to Peace Talks with Afghan Taliban
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to hold talks with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan under fair and reasonable terms. His remarks came during a federal cabinet meeting on Thursday, where he discussed the ongoing Pakistan-Afghan ceasefire talks and recent border tensions.
The premier noted that a temporary 48-hour ceasefire had begun on October 15, following mutual consent between Islamabad and Kabul. He stated that “the ball is now in the Taliban regime’s court” to ensure peace prevails permanently.
PM: Att@cks Conducted at India’s Behest
Shehbaz Sharif accused the Taliban regime of launching recent cross-border att@cks at India’s behest. He claimed the strikes coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi.
According to official briefings, Taliban forces and India-backed TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), also known as Fitna al-Khawarij, carried out unprovoked fire on Pakistani territory. Pakistan’s armed forces responded decisively, neutralizing over 200 hostile elements.
The military’s media wing confirmed that 23 soldiers embraced martyrdom during the clashes. Officials described the retaliation as a “measured, self-defence action” necessary to protect sovereignty.
Pakistan Urges Taliban to Choose Peace
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan’s patience had run thin after repeated provocations. Despite consistent efforts for regional harmony, he said, the Afghan Taliban had “chosen the path of aggression instead of peace.”
The premier reaffirmed that Pakistan’s actions were purely defensive and intended to safeguard national stability. He also called for the Afghan leadership to demonstrate restraint and commit to meaningful dialogue.
The temporary truce, he added, should serve as a foundation for broader peace talks and lasting cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
