A day after Afghan security forces resumed offensive operations after the government declared an end to the government’s unilateral ceasefire with the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani elaborated breakthroughs achieved in finding solutions to the ‘Taliban problem’ in Afghanistan with the help from Pakistan, Tolo News reported.
“The issue of Taliban should be solved in our relations with Pakistan. Some things have been done in this respect and some things are still needed to be done,” he said at an event in Kabul.
He added: “It has been agreed on paper for the first time. The Afghanistan-Pakistan negotiations framework is now on paper. Now, serious actions are required.”
Ghani also revealed ‘improvements’ in countering terrorism. “We should clearly agree on this, on how we will work with each other in the future and how we will prevent other movements.”
Although the Afghan president did not clarify on details of the written agreement, the two countries recently agreed on key principals to operationalise the working groups for counter-terrorism during in a meeting between former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Ghani held under Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).
APAPPS provides for a framework to strengthen mutual trust and deepen interaction in all spheres of bilateral engagements. It is also a mechanism for finding solutions to bilateral areas of concern.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah also stressed on strengthening ties between the two neighbours. “We welcome the ceasefire and strongly supported it. Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain was in China when he announced that Pakistan is strongly supporting the ceasefire,” he said.
“Pakistan knows its role well in peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and we will fulfil our role very well.”
The ceasefire kicked in on Eid. The three days of no fighting were unprecedented in the nearly 17-year conflict and triggered jubilant scenes across the war-weary country.
Taliban fighters and security forces spontaneously celebrated the holiday that caps the holy month of Ramazan, hugging each other and taking selfies.
The militants were also mobbed by relieved civilians, who have borne the brunt of the war, raising hopes of a renewed push for peace talks.
The insurgents returned to the battlefield last week after refusing a government request to extend their ceasefire, launching attacks across the country that have seen scores killed or injured.
The renewed violence has poured cold water on hopes the truce would provide a clear path to peace talks, with the Taliban refusing to bow to pressure to lay down their arms until foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan.
The truces did not extend to the so-called Islamic State group, which has a relatively small but potent presence in Afghanistan, and launched two deadly attacks on ceasefire revellers during Eid.