Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following days of deadly border skirmishes, with both nations pledging to halt hostilities and work toward lasting peace.
The agreement was reached during peace talks held in Doha, mediated by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, after Pakistani airstrikes on Friday reportedly killed at least 10 Afghan civilians, including children and local athletes.
The strikes came just after the expiration of a brief 48-hour truce and marked the deadliest escalation since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.
In a statement released early Sunday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced that both sides had committed to ceasing all military action and agreed to establish mechanisms to promote long-term stability and cooperation.
Follow-up discussions are scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, confirmed the ceasefire on social media, stating that both countries had pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty.
“Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop. Both neighbouring countries will respect each other’s sovereignty,” he wrote.
Afghanistan’s government spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, also confirmed the agreement and posted a photo of the handshake between negotiators.
“It was decided that both countries will not carry out any acts of hostility against each other,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Neither country will support any groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan.”
Violence erupted on October 11, when Taliban fighters launched attacks along Afghanistan’s southern border with Pakistan.
The escalation came shortly after deadly bombings in Kabul during a historic visit by Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India, Pakistan’s regional rival.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of harbouring militants, particularly from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and claims these groups use Afghan territory to launch attacks. The Taliban has consistently denied these allegations.
According to reports from Paktika province, Pakistani airstrikes on Friday hit multiple locations, killing 10 civilians, including two children and three cricket players and injuring 12 others.
The Taliban warned it would retaliate.
Taliban spokesperson Mujahid said their forces had been ordered to hold fire “to maintain the dignity and integrity of its negotiating team.”
Local officials, including Saadullah Torjan, a minister in Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district, said the situation had begun to stabilise, but warned that fear remains high among residents.
“For now, the situation is returning to normal,” Torjan said.
“But there is still a state of war, and people are afraid.”
