In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached an immediate ceasefire agreement, facilitated by mediation efforts from Qatar and Turkiye. This decision comes after a week marked by intense and deadly clashes along their disputed border, which have resulted in numerous casualties. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced early on Sunday that both nations have consented to the ceasefire, alongside the establishment of mechanisms aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability between them.
The ceasefire agreement also includes provisions for follow-up meetings, scheduled to take place in the coming days. These discussions aim to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and effective manner. Earlier, officials from both countries confirmed they were engaged in peace talks in Doha, as they sought to navigate a path forward after the recent violence, which has resulted in the deaths of dozens and injuries to hundreds. This marks one of the most severe escalations in hostilities between these two South Asian neighbors since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced that negotiations would take place in Doha, with Kabul’s delegation led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob. On the Pakistani side, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif took the helm of discussions with representatives from the Taliban leadership. The focus of these talks is on immediate measures to combat cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan and to restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.
The recent cross-border hostilities were ignited by Pakistan’s demands for Afghanistan to take action against insurgents who have intensified their attacks on Pakistani territory. Islamabad has claimed that these fighters operate from safe havens within Afghanistan. The Taliban, however, has refuted these allegations, asserting that they do not harbor armed groups intent on attacking Pakistan. They have instead accused the Pakistani military of disseminating misinformation about Afghanistan and providing shelter to ISIL (ISIS)-linked fighters, which undermine Afghanistan’s stability.
The situation has been exacerbated by Pakistan's claims that Afghanistan has permitted armed groups to operate within its borders, posing a threat to the Pakistani state and its governance. A particularly alarming incident occurred on Friday, when a suicide attack near the border resulted in the deaths of seven Pakistani soldiers and injuries to 13 others, according to security officials. Addressing this escalating violence, Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasized the necessity for the Afghan regime to control the proxies using Afghan territory to execute attacks against Pakistan.
This ceasefire represents a crucial step toward reducing hostilities and fostering dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The effectiveness of this agreement will largely depend on the commitment of both nations to adhere to the terms and work collaboratively toward a peaceful resolution.
