Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following high-level talks in Doha, Qatar. The two neighboring countries also pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and are scheduled to meet again in Istanbul on October 25 for further discussions.
​Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced the breakthrough in a post on ‘X’ on Sunday, stating that the “ceasefire agreement has been finalized.” He added that “terrorist attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil will stop immediately. Both neighboring countries will respect each other’s territory.” He also thanked Qatar and Türkiye for their role in facilitating the agreement.
​The spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government, Zabihullah Mujahid, also released a statement confirming that the Doha talks concluded with the signing of a bilateral agreement. Under the agreement, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, mutual respect, and strong neighborly relations. It was also agreed that neither country would undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor support groups that launch attacks against the Government of Pakistan.
​Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar welcomed the agreement, calling it “the first step in the right direction.” He expressed hope that the upcoming Istanbul meeting would establish a “solid and verifiable monitoring mechanism” to address terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
​The talks, which lasted 13 hours, were held amid escalating tensions on the Pak-Afghan border, facilitated by Qatar and mediated by Türkiye. Both countries have also agreed to hold future follow-up meetings to ensure the sustainable implementation of the ceasefire.