Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire after peace talks in Doha

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following high-level peace talks in Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced early Sunday.

The agreement follows a week of fierce border clashes that heightened tensions between the two neighbors. In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire was reached during a round of negotiations mediated by Qatar and Türkiye on Saturday.

“Both sides also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner,” the ministry said.

Türkiye, Oman welcome ceasefire 

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry issued an official statement on Sunday welcoming the breakthrough:

“We welcome that Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar and decided to establish mechanisms to strengthen peace and stability between the two countries during the talks held in Doha,” the ministry said.

“We commend the efforts of Qatar, which also hosted the talks. Türkiye will continue to support the efforts for achieving lasting peace and stability between the two brotherly countries and in the region.”

In a similar statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman also praised the development, expressing hope for its durability.

“The Sultanate of Oman welcomes the ceasefire announcement signed in Doha between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and friendly Afghanistan,” the statement read.

“Oman appreciates and commends the role of the sisterly State of Qatar and the friendly Republic of Türkiye in reaching this agreement, expressing hope for its sustainability to achieve lasting and comprehensive peace between the two countries.”

Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the signing by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan of an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries, during the round of negotiations held in Doha.”

It further said: “The Kingdom affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its continued commitment to ensuring security that achieves stability and prosperity for the brotherly peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

‘Positive step’

The statement said: “The Kingdom hopes that this positive step will lead to an end to tensions on the border between the two countries.”

“The Ministry also appreciates the diplomatic efforts and constructive role played by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye in this regard.”

‘Further discussions’

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed the development in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying a formal ceasefire agreement had been reached between the two countries.

“Terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil on Pakistani territory will stop immediately. Both neighboring countries will respect each other’s sovereignty,” Asif said.

He added that delegations from both sides will meet again on October 25 in Istanbul for further discussions aimed at consolidating the agreement.

“We are deeply grateful to our brotherly nations, Qatar and Türkiye, for their sincere support,” Asif added.

 Taliban welcome agreement

The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, also welcomed the outcome of the Doha talks, AP reported.

“It has been decided that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan,” Mujahid said.

“Both sides will refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure.”

He added that a mechanism would be established “under the mediation of intermediary countries” to review bilateral claims and ensure effective implementation of the agreement.

The breakthrough comes amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where recent clashes have resulted in casualties and strained diplomatic relations.

Officials in both capitals have expressed hope that the ceasefire will pave the way for broader security cooperation and a sustainable framework to prevent future border escalations.