Islamabad – In a bid to halt the escalating violence that has claimed dozens of lives and wounded hundreds along their shared frontier, Afghanistan and Pakistan announced on Sunday a mutual commitment to honor an immediate ceasefire. Brokered through intensive diplomacy led by Qatar and Turkiye, the agreement aims to de-escalate tensions and foster a temporary halt to military engagements.
The breakthrough followed marathon negotiations spanning 13 hours in Doha, Qatar’s capital, held the previous day. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Taliban government, welcomed the results in a statement, highlighting the signing of a bilateral pact. Under its terms, both nations vow to abstain from any aggressive moves directed at one another and to withhold support for militant factions launching incursions into Pakistani territory. The deal explicitly prohibits strikes on the opposing side’s military personnel, non-combatants, or vital facilities.
To safeguard compliance, the accord outlines the creation of a review process involving neutral mediator nations. This body will assess mutual grievances and oversee the pact’s enforcement moving forward.
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Confirmation of the arrangement came swiftly from Pakistani officials. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif shared the news on X, declaring that incursions of cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil would end without delay. He further noted that a subsequent round of discussions between the envoys is slated for October 25 in Istanbul, where deeper implementation details will be addressed.
The ceasefire emerges against a backdrop of intensified skirmishes, underscoring the volatile dynamics in the region. While the immediate pause offers a glimmer of restraint, sustained adherence will hinge on the forthcoming mechanisms and diplomatic follow-through, as both sides navigate longstanding security concerns.
