Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Maintain Ceasefire

South Asian neighbors Pakistan and Afghanistan have finally agreed to continue their ceasefire. The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday. The decision came after five days of talks held in Turkey. During discussions in Istanbul on Thursday, both sides agreed to extend the ceasefire.

The ceasefire has been in effect since October 19. Talks between official representatives of Pakistan and Afghanistan began in Doha on October 18 and were later moved to Istanbul, Turkey, where discussions resumed on October 25.

Qatar and Turkey acted as mediators during the negotiations. Although the talks faced temporary uncertainty, they resumed on October 29, leading to a ceasefire agreement on October 30. According to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, both parties pledged to maintain peace, and any violations of the agreement will result in penalties for the responsible side.

The statement also mentioned that a follow-up meeting will be held in Istanbul on November 6 to determine how the agreement will be implemented. Turkey and Qatar have expressed readiness to continue cooperating with both sides to ensure lasting peace and stability.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid released a separate statement in Istanbul shortly before midnight, confirming the conclusion of the discussions and noting that both parties agreed to continue dialogue in future meetings.

Since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021, the two countries have experienced intense military clashes along their shared border.

On October 9, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. In retaliation, Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border posts two days later, accusing Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The Pakistani military responded with counterattacks.

Before the ceasefire, the conflict claimed the lives of over 200 Afghan soldiers and 23 Pakistani troops. The severe clashes led to the closure of vital trade and transport crossings. Among those killed were TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud, deputy chief Qari Saifullah Mehsud, and several senior members.

Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa serves as a stronghold for the TTP. Since the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan, Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP fighters—a claim Afghanistan consistently denies. The Pakistani government banned the group several years ago due to its involvement in violence and separatist activities, but it has continued its operations, sparking renewed conflict. Following weeks of clashes, both countries announced a 48-hour ceasefire on October 15.

Sources: Reuters, Geo News

khaborwala/TSN