ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday cautioned the Afghan Taliban regime that any attempt to misuse the 48-hour ceasefire agreed earlier this week as a tactic to regroup or buy time would not be tolerated.

The premier’s warning came after Pakistan launched precision strikes in Kabul and Kandahar in response to recent cross-border attacks, inflicting heavy losses on Taliban units and affiliated militant groups. He noted that the ceasefire request was made by the Taliban after these setbacks — mirroring a similar truce plea on Sunday following Pakistan’s swift retaliation along the frontier.

Defence minister calls it ‘war’

Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that “war with the Afghan Taliban has started,” questioning the practicality of holding dialogue with Kabul. He stressed that the temporary ceasefire would not last long and reiterated that nearly all global terror groups had a presence in Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan can be treated as a neighbour, but not as a brother,” he added, recalling Kabul’s failed attempt to occupy Bajaur in 1960 as the first act of aggression against Pakistan.

Qatar’s diplomatic push

Meanwhile, Qatar has stepped in to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul. Prime Minister Shehbaz acknowledged Doha’s role, saying it was natural for the Gulf state to be involved given its role in the 2020 Doha Accord, which paved the way for the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021.

Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi discussed the security crisis with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday evening, signaling fresh diplomatic efforts.

Future course of action

The statements from Shehbaz and Khawaja Asif indicate Pakistan is preparing for a harder line if militant attacks continue from Afghan soil. Officials hinted that Islamabad would intensify its military operations should Kabul fail to rein in the groups it shelters.