Overview
- Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleged India is keeping Pakistan preoccupied on eastern and western fronts and claimed Kabul is acting as New Delhi’s proxy, saying proof could be presented if required.
- Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed in Istanbul to continue the ceasefire and outlined a three-point plan covering monitoring, verification, and penalties for violations, with a principals meeting slated for November 6.
- Asif said the Torkham crossing has been reopened solely to facilitate the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, with trade and visa services still suspended pending talks.
- The latest diplomacy follows Pakistan’s October 9 airstrikes on alleged TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan and subsequent border clashes, which were paused by a Doha truce later in the month.
- Some outlets reported Pakistan acknowledged a pact allowing U.S. drone operations from its territory, a claim based on limited sourcing that has not been broadly corroborated.