Pakistan bows to Afghanistan pressure; Shahbaz Sharif says ‘ready for talks’

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions remain high between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent violent clashes. However, a temporary 48-hour ceasefire is currently in place along the border. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has stated that his country is ready for talks, but Afghanistan must meet Pakistan's "reasonable conditions."

Shahbaz Sharif, addressing the federal cabinet on Thursday, said the door to dialogue is open if Afghanistan accepts Pakistan's conditions following the recent cross-border hostilities. "We have decided on a temporary 48-hour ceasefire. Now the ball is in their court. If they want to meet our reasonable conditions through talks, we are ready," he said. The situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated after deadly clashes, but on Wednesday, the two countries agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire at the Taliban's request. The ceasefire came into effect from 6 pm on October 15.

Hope for a lasting solution

According to a report in Dawn, Shahbaz Sharif said that if the Afghan side is "sincere and serious," he would initiate talks. He also stated that Pakistan's allies, particularly Qatar, are working to normalize the situation. Shahbaz expressed hope that a lasting solution to the issue would be found, including the elimination of "Fitna al-Khawarij," or terrorist elements, from Afghan soil so that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities.

Sharif reiterated his support for the Palestinians.

In his address, Sharif reiterated the Palestinians' demand for an independent state and said Pakistan would always support the cause. He praised the efforts of US President Donald Trump and Muslim countries, particularly Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, for their role in achieving a ceasefire.

Sharif said Pakistan wanted the ceasefire to continue in the future based on "concrete demands", but warned that if it proved to be only a "time pass", Pakistan would not accept it.