Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Ceasefire Following Talks Held in Doha

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a ceasefire agreement following deadly cross-border clashes. The deal, brokered in Doha with Qatar’s mediation.

Confirming the development, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said both sides agreed to immediately halt hostilities and respect each other’s territorial sovereignty. “Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop,” Asif stated on social media. “Both neighbouring countries will respect each other’s sovereignty.” He added that a follow-up meeting between the two delegations will be held on October 25 in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The Ministry said both sides have also agreed to establish a framework aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability. It stated that the ceasefire decision was made during talks held in Doha and expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a strong foundation for enduring peace in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has welcomed the agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Doha, calling it a first step in the right direction. He appreciated the constructive roles played by Qatar and Turkiye in facilitating the talks and expressed hope for continued cooperation. Dar said Pakistan looks forward to establishing a solid and verifiable monitoring mechanism to ensure the implementation of the agreement.

He added that the upcoming meeting, to be hosted by Turkiye, will discuss the future plan of action and focus on addressing the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that all efforts must be made to prevent further loss of lives and to promote regional peace and stability.

Security sources in Islamabad said the recent Pakistani airstrikes were a response to an attack on paramilitary forces and targeted militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan added that the group has a shelter inside Afghanistan.

The Pakistani delegation in Doha included senior officials, notably intelligence chief General Asim Malik, while the Afghan side was led by Taliban Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.

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