DOHA (Qatar): In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following marathon peace talks held in Doha, with Qatar and Turkiye mediating the negotiations.
The dialogue, which stretched over 13 hours, concluded with both sides committing to end hostilities and establish a joint framework for lasting peace and border stability. The agreement is being hailed as a crucial step toward easing months of heightened tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
According to a statement issued by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ceasefire will be implemented without delay and monitored through a joint mechanism to ensure its sustainability. Qatar expressed confidence that the development would “help restore calm along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier and strengthen brotherly ties between the two nations.”
The Doha talks were hosted by Qatar, with significant facilitation from Turkiye. The Pakistani delegation was headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while the Afghan Taliban side was led by Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob. Discussions primarily revolved around cross-border security, counterterrorism coordination, and respect for territorial sovereignty.
Both parties agreed that no group would be allowed to use their territories to launch attacks against the other. Pakistan also pressed for decisive action against terrorist factions operating from Afghan soil, including those it labels as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, where detailed procedures for implementing and monitoring the ceasefire will be finalized.
Following the agreement, Pakistan’s defence minister posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “terrorism from Afghanistan will stop immediately,” emphasizing mutual respect and the shared goal of peace and cooperation in the region.
This ceasefire marks one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in recent years for both Islamabad and Kabul, potentially opening a new chapter in their often strained relationship.
