Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the recently brokered ceasefire agreement with Afghanistan will only hold if Kabul takes decisive steps to curb cross-border militant activity. Speaking to Reuters on Monday, Asif emphasized that the entire truce hinges on Afghanistan’s commitment to restrain armed groups operating from its territory.

The agreement, facilitated by Qatar and Turkiye, came after a week of intense border clashes that pushed bilateral relations to a new low. Tensions escalated when Pakistan demanded that Afghanistan rein in fighters from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, commonly known as the Pakistan Taliban, who Islamabad claims are launching attacks from safe havens across the border.

“Anything coming from Afghanistan will be a violation of this agreement,” Asif stated, adding that the written terms clearly prohibit any form of incursion. He led the negotiations with Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob.

Asif accused the TTP of operating with the support of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, a claim that Kabul has denied. In response, Afghan officials have accused Pakistan of spreading misinformation and harboring fighters linked to ISIL, further complicating the fragile relationship.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that both nations had agreed not to engage in hostile actions or support groups targeting each other. He said the pact includes commitments to avoid attacks on security forces, civilians and critical infrastructure.

The Pakistan Taliban has intensified its campaign against Islamabad in recent months, targeting military installations and personnel. In retaliation, Pakistani forces reportedly carried out air strikes in Kabul, including one on October 9 aimed at eliminating TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud. Despite the strike, Mehsud later appeared in a video, confirming he had survived.

“We were being attacked. Our territory was being attacked. So we just did tit for tat,” Asif said. “They are in Kabul. They are everywhere. Wherever they are, we will attack them. Kabul is not, you know, a no-go area.”

The next round of talks between the two countries is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, where officials will work on developing a framework to implement and monitor the ceasefire agreement. The outcome of these discussions may determine whether the truce can evolve into a lasting peace or remain a temporary pause in hostilities.