Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire

Both sides to meet again to discuss details after deal mediated by Qatar and Turkey

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Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks hosted by Doha, both sides said on Oct 19, after a week of fierce border clashes that were the worst violence between the South Asian neighbours since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

The ceasefire between the South Asian neighbours “has been finalised”, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif posted on social media platform X on Oct 19, saying that both sides would meet again on Oct 25 in Istanbul to discuss “detailed matters”.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement that the parties had agreed on a complete and meaningful ceasefire.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, which mediated the Oct 18 talks along with Turkey, said the followup meetings were meant “to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner”.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are seeking a way forward after the clashes killed dozens and wounded hundreds. The talks were led by Mr Asif and his Afghan counterpart Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, both sides said.