Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Qatar Talks
Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an immediate ceasefire agreement following deadly cross-border clashes, announced by Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday. The breakthrough comes after Pakistani airstrikes killed at least 10 people, despite an earlier truce attempt.
Key Developments
- Immediate ceasefire agreed during Qatar-mediated talks
- At least 10 killed in recent Pakistani airstrikes
- Mechanisms established for lasting peace between nations
- Dozens of soldiers and civilians killed in week-long fighting
Qatar’s Mediation Success
“During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure lasting peace and stability between the two countries,” Qatar’s ministry of foreign affairs stated.
Diplomatic Efforts in Doha
Officials from both nations met in Doha on Saturday to de-escalate tensions. The Afghan side had previously accused Pakistan of violating a 48-hour ceasefire that had briefly halted nearly a week of intense fighting.
Security Justifications
Pakistani security officials stated their latest strikes targeted militant groups linked to the Pakistani Taliban in Afghan border areas. They claimed the action was retaliation for attacks on Pakistani paramilitary forces.
Delegation Composition
Pakistan’s delegation included Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik, while Afghanistan’s team was led by Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, according to Taliban sources.
Conflict Timeline
The violence began on October 11, shortly after explosions rocked Kabul during Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi’s rare visit to India. Taliban fighters subsequently launched attacks along Pakistan’s southern border, triggering Islamabad’s military response.
