Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to work together to fight terrorism along their shared border. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement in an interview with Al Jazeera. He said both countries understand that terrorism has hurt the region badly. The agreement comes after rising tensions, including recent border clashes. Mediation from Qatar and Turkiye helped both sides reach this understanding.
Khawaja Asif thanked the Emir of Qatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for their roles in the talks. He also praised Turkish envoy Ibrahim Kalin for helping facilitate the deal. According to Asif, the agreement aims to bring peace, improve relations, and restore trade between the two nations. Both countries now see terrorism as the main issue causing conflict. They plan to create a joint system to manage this problem.
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The Afghan Defence Minister also admitted terrorism is the biggest reason for tension with Pakistan. Both sides agreed that peaceful coexistence is the only way forward. A follow-up meeting will take place in Istanbul next week. Qatar and Turkiye will again act as guarantors during the final talks. Technical details of the plan will be discussed and finalized there.
Asif also spoke about trade and refugee concerns. He said Afghanistan will be able to use Pakistani ports again once peace returns. Trade routes and transit links could also be reopened. However, undocumented Afghan refugees will still be repatriated. Only those with valid documents will be allowed to stay in Pakistan.
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In conclusion, Asif stressed the need for clear border regulations. He said it is too soon to say if all issues are solved. Yet, the agreement marks a hopeful step forward. He reminded both sides that they are neighbors and must learn to live peacefully. “Time will tell how sincere both countries are,” he added.