Afghanistan and Pakistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire Mediated by Qatar and Turkey

Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following diplomatic talks held in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkey. The truce, which took effect immediately, aims to halt recent hostilities along their shared border.

The agreement comes after over a week of violent border clashes that resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Both nations have accused each other of initiating aggression, with Pakistan particularly concerned about the resurgence of militancy since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that both sides agreed not to engage in hostile acts or support attacks against each other’s forces or infrastructure. A future mechanism, under mediation, will monitor adherence to the ceasefire and review claims.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced that cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease and both countries will respect each other's sovereignty. A follow-up meeting between the delegations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss the matters in detail.

The fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has severely disrupted people’s lives along the 2,611-kilometer Durand Line border, affecting trade and displacing civilians, with crossings like Chaman and Torkham partially or completely closed. The truce brings hope to refugees and traders affected by the violence and border restrictions.