Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Islamabad is ready to hold talks with the Taliban if the group agrees to Pakistan’s conditions, adding that the ball is in the Afghan Taliban’s court.
Speaking during a federal cabinet meeting, Sharif said both countries are currently observing a two-day ceasefire and that the decision to make it permanent now lies with the Taliban.
He noted that the Taliban had requested the truce and formally submitted a proposal. Islamabad, he said, agreed to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire and made clear that it is prepared for dialogue if the Taliban take concrete steps to resolve outstanding issues and address Pakistan’s “genuine demands.”
