Islamabad: Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has once again urged Afghanistan to play its role to completely stop the infiltration from Afghan soil. Talking to media, he said Afghan Taliban should stop backing Fitna al Khawarij and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Khawaja Asif said it is up to the Afghan regime as to how they curtail this support, whether it is collective or being extended from some elements within their ranks.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister said the next round of Pak-Afghan dialogue will be held on the sixth of next month. Khawaja Asif said whatever the final shape of the agreement emerges, a verification system will be put in place to monitor its implementations. This monitoring and verification mechanism will be crucial for determining any violations and for identifying the moment when guarantor powers would need to intervene.

The Defence Minister praised Qatar and Turkiye for their very constructive role in the negotiations, emphasizing that Pakistan views its relationship with these countries like family members. Khawaja Asif stated Pakistan’s desires for coexistence, but made it clear that normal bilateral relations can only be achieved once terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is stopped.