Pakistan-Afghanistan Ties Cannot Normalize Until TTP Sponsorship Ends: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister **Khawaja Asif** has said that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan can never return to normal **until Kabul completely ends its support for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).**

In an interview with **Geo News**, the defence minister revealed that an **interim agreement** had been reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan, facilitated by **Qatar and Türkiye**. He added that the **next round of talks** would be held on **November 6** to finalize the implementation mechanism of the agreement.

“Our main demand is that cross-border infiltration from Afghan soil into Pakistan must stop,” Asif stated. “This infiltration continues in one form or another. While I don’t blame the entire Afghan government, many elements within it are supporting such activities.”

The minister confirmed that **a ceasefire is currently being held**, and both sides have agreed to maintain it. However, he said **violations from the Afghan side continue**, to which Pakistan has been responding. “A monitoring and verification mechanism needs to be established to ensure that all parties honor the agreement—especially that no TTP elements under Afghan protection cross into Pakistan,” he emphasized.

Asif asserted that **peaceful coexistence as neighbors is only possible if Afghanistan ends TTP’s sponsorship**. “If that doesn’t happen, relations will never normalize,” he said, adding that the **Istanbul meeting on November 6** will gradually shape a formal framework for monitoring the deal. He praised Qatar and Türkiye for their mediation efforts, saying Pakistan values its ties with both nations and hopes their efforts bear fruit.

He noted that while **some progress** has been made, the agreement’s impact will depend on **a complete end to infiltration**. “There’s a glimmer of hope due to pressure from mediators,” Asif said, “but it will be difficult for us to trust Afghanistan fully until guarantees against infiltration are in place.”

Turning to domestic politics, Khawaja Asif criticized **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s recent statements**, calling them “disappointing and against national security interests.” He said, “They want to follow the so-called *Niazi Law* under which the province is being run, but this cannot continue.”

“Pakistan is fighting for its survival, not for any individual,” Asif remarked. “If someone claims that without *Niazi Law* Pakistan cannot function, that’s not patriotism—it’s hostility towards the country.”

He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to act responsibly, reminding him that Pakistan belongs to **250 million people, not to one individual**. “By prioritizing one man’s interests over the nation’s, they are indirectly aiding terrorism and strengthening Afghanistan’s hand in the talks,” Asif concluded.