Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on immediate ceasefire after Doha talks

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to enforce an immediate ceasefire following high-level negotiations in Doha, where both sides pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Sunday. Doha talks are being considered successful.

Amid rising border tensions, a Pakistani delegation led by the defence minister held talks with senior Afghan Taliban officials on Saturday in Doha. The meeting, facilitated by Qatar, aimed to ease cross-border hostilities and address Pakistan’s security concerns following a recent surge in clashes and Pakistani strikes targeting the Gul Bahadur group’s camps in Afghanistan.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Asif confirmed, “A ceasefire agreement has been finalised. Terrorist attacks from Afghan soil on Pakistan will cease immediately, and both neighbouring countries will respect each other’s territory.” He added that the two sides are scheduled to meet again in Istanbul on October 25 for detailed discussions.

Expressing gratitude, Asif said, “We are sincerely thankful to both brotherly nations, Qatar and Turkiye, for facilitating this crucial breakthrough.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the development, describing it as “a step in the right direction.”
In a post on X, Dar wrote, “I welcome the agreement finalised late last night in Doha — it marks the first step towards lasting regional peace.”