New Delhi, Oct 19 (SHABD): Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following high-level talks held in Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.
Mediated by Qatar and Turkey, the negotiations on Saturday were led by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Afghanistan’s Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob. The talks aim to end a week of deadly clashes along the 2,600-km border between the two countries—the worst violence since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The conflict, sparked by Islamabad’s demands for Kabul to curb cross-border militant activity, has resulted in over 50 deaths and hundreds of injuries, including among civilians.
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A 48-hour truce that began Friday has largely held, despite reported Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province, which Kabul condemned as violations. Both sides have committed to follow-up meetings to maintain the ceasefire, set up verification mechanisms, and work toward lasting peace.