Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Doha Talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha. The agreement aims to halt recent cross-border hostilities that have resulted in numerous casualties.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan government, stated that both nations have committed to refraining from hostile actions against each other and from supporting groups that conduct attacks against Pakistan. He added that a mechanism involving third-party mediation would be established to assess claims and ensure adherence to the agreement.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed the ceasefire and announced that delegations from both countries will meet in Istanbul later this month for further discussions. He expressed appreciation to Qatar and Turkey for their role in facilitating the dialogue.

The ceasefire follows weeks of escalating tensions that began on October 9, when Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghan territory, reportedly targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader Noor Wali Mehsud. The operation led to casualties on both sides, including civilians in Afghanistan, prompting calls for restraint and renewed diplomacy.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries. Follow-up meetings will be held in the coming days to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and to address any emerging issues.

Relations between the neighboring countries have deteriorated in recent months, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban of failing to rein in the TTP and Baloch separatist groups operating from its soil. Kabul denies providing safe haven to any groups targeting other countries, including Pakistan.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has recorded at least 37 civilian deaths in the country as a result of the recent fighting. Both nations have pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, aiming to prevent further loss of lives and to work towards lasting peace in the region.