By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has cautiously welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement with Afghanistan, describing it as a “first positive step in the right direction” while stressing that tangible action from Kabul would be the ultimate test of its sincerity.
The truce, brokered in Doha through the mediation of Qatar and Turkey, was acknowledged by Dar, who praised the “constructive role” played by the two nations in facilitating dialogue. He confirmed that the diplomatic process would continue, with a subsequent round of talks scheduled in Turkey. These discussions, he indicated, would focus on establishing a “solid and verifiable monitoring mechanism,” a key step aimed at ensuring the fragile truce could be sustained beyond its initial announcement.
Balancing cautious optimism with strategic vigilance, the foreign minister stressed that “effective and practical measures” from the Afghan side were “indispensable.” He emphasized that the “immediate implementation of all possible measures” was essential to prevent further loss of innocent lives and to build trust between the two neighbors.
Dar framed the ceasefire not as a conclusive resolution but as a provisional step toward more durable security guarantees. He underlined that Pakistan’s patience and commitment to the diplomatic track remained conditional on witnessing a definitive and verifiable end to threats from terrorists operating from Afghan soil.
The statement reflects Islamabad’s approach of combining diplomacy with firm security expectations, signaling that while Pakistan is committed to dialogue, it will continue to demand practical outcomes to protect its territory and citizens from ongoing cross-border militancy.
