Pakistan has placed the responsibility on Kabul to curb cross border terrorism following the establishment of a joint monitoring & verification mechanism agreed during recent talks in Istanbul.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on 2nd November the mechanism will hold the Afghan side accountable for any militant activity originating from its soil that targets Pakistan.
The 2nd round of dialogue between Pakistan’s & Afghan Taliban delegations resumed in Istanbul on 1st November.
Islamabad’s primary concern is the terrorist attacks launched from Afghan territory initially stalled progress, but mediation by Turkey & Qatar helped salvage the process after Pakistan had earlier declared the talks unsuccessful.
The negotiations concluded with a 3 point understanding continuation of the ceasefire, establishment of a monitoring & verification system & penalties for any violations.
Operational details of the mechanism will be finalised when senior representatives from both sides meet again in Istanbul on 6th November.
Tarar explained the mechanism will review recent incidents & set procedures for joint verification.
He emphasised that the onus is now on the Afghan regime, as their soil continues to be used for terrorism in Pakistan by the banned TTP & by Balochistan based groups alleged to be backed by India. He also said Pakistan will use the new forum to present evidence & failure by Kabul to act would result in consequences.
Tarar stated that Pakistan reserves the right to respond militarily if attacks persist, subject to the exigencies of the situation. “If the situation escalates, Pakistan may lawfully retaliate under international law & the UN Charter.
Once the mechanism is operational & evidence is jointly verified, any party found in violation will be held accountable. With 3rd party oversight, the Afghan Taliban can no longer rely on excuses.”
He rejected Kabul’s claim about offering to hand over terror suspects, calling the statement misleading. “Pakistan has always demanded that terrorists who threaten us be restrained or arrested. Now the Afghan side says these individuals are Pakistani nationals and should be handed over that twists the facts. We even proposed coordination through border posts, that has always been our position.
Tarar described the Taliban administration as a fractured regime lacking full control over Afghanistan. There are internal divisions & not every faction answers to the centre. Meanwhile, there is unity of thought between Pakistan’s civilian & military leadership.
