Islamabad, October 20, 2025: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending terrorism and restoring long-term peace along their shared border.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Asif said the accord was mediated by Qatar and Turkey, who will also serve as guarantors of the agreement.
“Terrorism has plagued the Pak-Afghan border areas for years, and recent clashes highlighted the urgency of addressing it,” he said. “Both countries have realised that an immediate end to terrorism is necessary, otherwise regional peace could be at risk.”
According to the minister, a follow-up meeting to finalise operational details will be held in Istanbul next week. He added that both sides agreed to establish an effective mechanism to resolve mutual concerns and prevent future misunderstandings.
“The Afghan Defence Minister also admitted that terrorism remains the main cause of tension between the two countries,” Asif noted.
Highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices, the minister said the country has endured heavy losses in lives and property due to terrorism. “Now it is hoped that peace will return, relations will normalise, and Pak-Afghan trade and transit will be restored,” he added.
Asif revealed that under the new arrangement, Afghanistan will regain access to Pakistani ports, a move expected to boost cross-border trade and regional connectivity.
Clarifying Pakistan’s policy on refugees, he said Afghan citizens holding valid visas will be allowed to stay, but the repatriation of undocumented migrants will continue. He stressed that cross-border movement must be formal and regulated, in line with international norms.
“Pakistan and Afghanistan have been neighbours for centuries — geography cannot be changed,” Asif remarked. “It is hoped that after this agreement, both countries will move forward with better relations.”
