Khawaja Asif says both nations are committed to addressing militancy for lasting regional peace
Pakistan and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their commitment to work together to curb terrorism along their shared border, signaling a renewed effort to stabilize a region long plagued by militancy and mistrust.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said in an interview with Al-Jazeera Arabic that both countries have recognized terrorism as the main obstacle to peace and progress. He explained that recent discussions between the two sides have focused on creating a sustainable framework for security cooperation aimed at eliminating the groups responsible for cross-border violence.
Read: Saudi Arabia supports the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan
During the interview, he said, the Afghan defense minister also accepted that terrorism remains the primary source of tension between Islamabad and Kabul and that both governments must act decisively to neutralize the threat. The understanding, he said, reflects a shared recognition that regional peace cannot be achieved without a coordinated approach to countering extremism.
Preparations are underway for a key meeting in Istanbul next week, where officials are expected to finalize the details of the new deal. The agenda will reportedly include intelligence-sharing measures, joint border surveillance and a structured mechanism to ensure compliance with ceasefire obligations.
Read more: Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on immediate ceasefire in Doha talks
Asif expressed optimism that once the issue of terrorism is effectively addressed, wider cooperation in trade, transit and infrastructure development will follow. He noted that stabilization of the border would open avenues for Afghanistan to resume commercial activities through Pakistani ports, benefiting both economies and promoting interdependence.
The renewed engagement also comes amid persistent security challenges in the border areas, where militant activity has often derailed diplomatic progress. This latest initiative marks a significant attempt to move beyond sporadic negotiations towards a long-term strategic partnership based on security and economic cooperation.
Although the success of the effort will depend on how well both countries can implement and monitor their commitments, the upcoming Istanbul meeting is seen as a potential turning point. Analysts believe that if the understanding translates into concrete action, it could not only improve bilateral relations but also strengthen broader regional stability that has been elusive for decades.
