Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on immediate ceasefire following Doha talks

A round of negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held in Doha, mediated by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye.

According to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to establish mechanisms aimed at consolidating lasting peace and stability between the two neighbouring countries.

The parties also decided to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and to verify its implementation “in a reliable and sustainable manner,” contributing to enhanced security and stability in both states.

In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that this “important step will contribute to ending tensions on the border between the two brotherly countries and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.”

For the record, the Doha meeting comes amid renewed border clashes and heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have strained bilateral relations in recent months. Both Qatar and Türkiye have been actively involved in mediating regional disputes and facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties.

According to Pakistani military statements, the clashes erupted on October 11 after Afghan forces fired on Pakistani posts, prompting a robust defence that inflicted heavy losses on the attackers; Islamabad reported eliminating over 200 Taliban fighters and "associated terrorists" while confirming 23 of its own soldiers killed and several wounded. Additional skirmishes on October 15, including Pakistani airstrikes on militant hideouts in Afghan provinces like Kandahar and Helmand, resulted in further casualties, with Pakistan acknowledging four civilian injuries on its side from crossfire.

Pakistan attributes the escalation to the Taliban's failure to curb Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operations from Afghan soil, citing over 600 TTP attacks in 2025 alone that have killed hundreds of Pakistani troops and civilians. Border closures at key points like Torkham and Chaman halted trade worth millions daily, stranding aid and goods.

By Khagan Isayev