Former Afghan Foreign Minister Welcomes Taliban-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement
Mohammad Haneef Atmar, former Afghan Foreign Minister, has welcomed the recent agreement between the Taliban and Pakistan—brokered by Qatar and Turkey—as a “positive development.” According to Atmar, the agreement, which focuses on an immediate ceasefire and bilateral dialogue to resolve tensions, could help prevent further violence along the border and the bloodshed of innocent Afghan civilians.
Atmar stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the contents of the agreement and the upcoming stages of dialogue. He called for full transparency in the process, warning that the matter concerns the country’s national fate and broader public interests, and therefore cannot be handled behind closed doors.
Referring to the Taliban’s conduct, Atmar said it is time for the group to take responsibility toward the Afghan people and engage in intra-Afghan dialogue. He believes that lasting peace, sustainable security, and the preservation of the political system are only possible if the Taliban government gains genuine public support and legitimacy.
He warned that regimes lacking popular backing are especially vulnerable to external threats, particularly from Pakistan. Defending the country, he added, requires strong national unity.
According to the veteran diplomat, Afghanistan’s political and civil society has consistently insisted on intra-Afghan talks, a stance that has the backing of the international community. He urged the Taliban to prove their genuine intentions and not miss this historic opportunity to end the ongoing crisis.
