Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has urged the Afghan Taliban regime to end its backing of terrorist elements, warning that Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan cannot improve unless cross-border terrorism is stopped.

Speaking to the media on Friday, the minister said Pakistan would not step back from its position on terrorism, stressing that peace in Pakistan depends on Afghanistan’s commitment to prevent its soil from being used against the neighbouring country.

“Kabul must guarantee peace in Pakistan. Whether it is the TTP or the BLA, terrorism will not be tolerated,” Asif said, adding that cross-border infiltration from Afghanistan continues in one form or another.

“Our foremost demand is that Afghan soil must not be used for incursions into Pakistan.”

He said normal neighbourly relations could only be achieved if the Taliban stopped sheltering and supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“If this patronage continues, our relations with Afghanistan can never return to normal,” he added.

Asif disclosed that Pakistan and Afghanistan had reached an interim understanding through Qatari and Turkish mediation, with the third round of talks scheduled for November 6.

He said the monitoring and verification mechanism for the agreement was still being finalised to ensure compliance by both sides, particularly to prevent violations by militant groups operating from Afghan soil.

Criticising the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the minister said the provincial leadership was becoming increasingly isolated.

He claimed that people in the former tribal districts saw the federal government as more sincere in addressing their concerns.

“Some people only speak for their political interests,” Asif remarked, adding that Pakistan “cannot be run under Niazi law,” in a veiled reference to PTI founder Imran Khan.

He reiterated that Pakistan would not tolerate terrorism “in any form, whether it comes from the TTP or the BLA.”