Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the “ball is in the Afghan Taliban’s court” for a permanent ceasefire, following deadly cross-border clashes. He emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to resolve issues if the Taliban address Islamabad’s demands, including stopping militant attacks and eliminating Pakistani Taliban bases along the border. The remarks came a day after a temporary 48-hour truce aimed at halting bloodshed.
ISLAMABAD — October 16, 2025 — Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that “the ball is in the Afghan Taliban’s court” for a permanent ceasefire, signaling Islamabad’s willingness to negotiate peace after a week of deadly cross-border violence.
“If in 48 hours they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them,” Sharif told his cabinet. He reiterated that Pakistani Taliban militants must be eliminated and Afghan territory should not be used to plan attacks against Pakistan.
The statement follows a 48-hour temporary truce, which took effect at 6 pm Islamabad time (1300 GMT) on Wednesday, after dozens of troops and civilians were killed on both sides during clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The ceasefire was aimed at halting bloodshed and creating a window for diplomatic talks.
Tensions surged last week after explosions struck Afghan territory, including Kabul, which Afghan Taliban officials blamed on Pakistan. The blasts coincided with a rare visit by Afghanistan’s foreign minister to India, Pakistan’s eastern neighbor and longtime rival. In response, Afghan Taliban forces launched a border offensive, prompting Islamabad to vow a strong retaliation.
Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and its affiliates, on Afghan soil. Kabul denies these claims. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has repeatedly called on them to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory as a staging ground for attacks.
Sharif’s remarks underscore Islamabad’s dual approach: readiness for dialogue if Afghan authorities meet its demands, coupled with a firm stance on security and retaliation if cross-border attacks continue.
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