We cannot change geography; Pakistan and Afghanistan are neighbours forever: Khawaja Asif

WEB DESK: Following the ceasefire deal between Pakistan and Afghanistan aimed at ending years of cross-border terrorism, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that he hopes both countries will now work towards peaceful relations. “We cannot change geography, Pakistan and Afghanistan are neighbours forever,” he said. “With Qatar and Turkey’s support, we are hopeful that peace and stability will finally return to the region.”

Asif said this while giving an interview to Al Jazeera Arabic, crediting Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Turkish envoy Ibrahim Kalin for mediating the deal, saying the primary goal was to eliminate terrorism that has long destabilised border regions on both sides.

“The issue of terrorism recently escalated to direct clashes, but both nations now agree that it must be urgently resolved,” Asif said. He added that Pakistan and Afghanistan would take “serious steps” to counter the threat, warning that regional peace was at stake.

The defence minister confirmed that Qatar and Turkey’s involvement served as a “guarantee” of the agreement, and a follow-up meeting to finalise the framework would be held in Istanbul next week.

According to Asif, Afghanistan’s defence minister acknowledged that terrorism has been the root cause of tension between the two countries, and both sides will now establish a mechanism to address existing issues.

Asif hoped that the agreement would restore normal relations, reopen bilateral trade and transit routes, and allow Afghanistan to resume using Pakistani ports. Legally documented Afghan refugees will be permitted to stay in Pakistan, while the repatriation of undocumented migrants will continue, he added.