Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to ‘Immediate Ceasefire’ at Qatar Truce Talks
Doha, Qatar (October 2025): In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following several days of intense border clashes that left dozens dead, including Afghan cricketers. The agreement was confirmed by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, marking a crucial step toward restoring stability in the volatile border regions.
According to Qatar’s official statement, “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.” The talks were hosted in Doha, where both delegations sought to de-escalate one of the worst border confrontations in recent months.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Spark After Airstrikes
The ceasefire comes just a day after Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Afghan territory, which Kabul said violated a 48-hour truce previously agreed upon. Those strikes reportedly killed at least 10 people, including members of the Afghan cricket fraternity, prompting widespread condemnation.
Pakistani officials, however, defended the airstrikes, stating that they targeted militant groups linked to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) operating from the Afghan side. Security sources in Islamabad claimed the attacks were in retaliation for an assault on Pakistani paramilitary forces stationed near the border.
The situation escalated rapidly after two explosions in Kabul on October 11, which Pakistan allegedly carried out. The blasts occurred during a rare visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi to India, further straining relations between Islamabad and Kabul. In response, Taliban fighters launched coordinated attacks along the southern border, leading to nearly a week of deadly clashes.
Doha Talks: A Diplomatic Effort for Peace
The Doha ceasefire talks were attended by senior officials from both sides. Pakistan’s delegation included Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Intelligence Chief General Asim Malik, while the Afghan team was led by Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar.
Both nations reportedly agreed not only to halt hostilities but also to create a joint monitoring mechanism to prevent future violations and ensure transparency in cross-border security operations.
A Long History of Tensions
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense for years, particularly since 2023, when Pakistan began accusing the Taliban-led government of harboring militants involved in cross-border attacks. The tensions have been most visible in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, regions severely affected by insurgent violence.
The situation worsened after the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with Islamabad in November 2022, leading to a surge in deadly attacks. Despite multiple attempts at diplomatic engagement, both nations have struggled to establish mutual trust.
Hope for Stability in the Region
While the latest ceasefire agreement brokered in Qatar offers a glimmer of hope, analysts caution that sustaining peace will require consistent communication and mutual restraint. For both Islamabad and Kabul, rebuilding trust remains the most significant challenge.
If the ceasefire holds, it could pave the way for a broader dialogue on regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and trade stability — issues vital for lasting peace between the two neighbors.
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