Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Doha Talks, to Meet Again in Istanbul

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October 19, 2025

ISLAMABAD/DOHA:
Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement on an immediate ceasefire following high-level negotiations in Doha, Qatar, aimed at easing weeks of cross-border hostilities and addressing Pakistan’s security concerns.

The understanding was announced by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday, who confirmed that both countries have pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“A ceasefire agreement has been finalised. The terrorist attacks from Afghanistan on Pakistan’s soil will cease immediately. Both neighbouring countries will respect each other’s territory,” Asif posted on X.

He added that delegations from both sides will reconvene in Istanbul on October 25 for further discussions, expressing gratitude to Qatar and Turkiye for facilitating the peace talks.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions along the Pak-Afghan border, where clashes in recent weeks resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Pakistan’s military had conducted precision strikes on camps of the Gul Bahadur group in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Paktika provinces, following deadly attacks on its border posts.


Diplomatic Breakthrough

Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar welcomed the agreement, calling it “a step in the right direction.”

“I welcome the agreement finalised late last night in Doha. It is the first step in the right direction,” Dar wrote on X.

“Deeply appreciate the constructive role played by brotherly Qatar and Turkiye,” he added, expressing hope for the establishment of a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” in the upcoming Istanbul meeting.

The Afghan Taliban government also confirmed the development through a statement issued by its spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid.

“Negotiations between representatives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, held in Qatar, have concluded with the signing of a bilateral agreement,” the statement said.

According to Mujahid, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, mutual respect, and non-aggression. The agreement stipulates that neither country will support groups carrying out attacks against the other, and both will refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure.

The statement added that a joint review mechanism, supported by intermediary countries, will be established to ensure effective implementation of the agreement.


Mediation and Future Steps

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the 13-hour-long talks in Doha were hosted by the Qatari government, with Turkiye acting as mediator.

“Both countries agreed on an immediate ceasefire and decided to establish a permanent mechanism for bilateral peace and stability,” read a statement shared by PTV News, citing the Qatari ministry.

Follow-up meetings are expected in the coming days to ensure the continuity of the ceasefire and to lay the groundwork for a more permanent peace framework.


Background: Recent Escalation

The ceasefire comes after a series of deadly cross-border clashes. On October 11, Afghan forces reportedly launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani border posts, killing 23 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes targeted militant hideouts in Afghanistan, reportedly killing over 200 militants linked to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups.

Further clashes erupted days later at the Kurram border, with Pakistan again launching precision strikes inside Afghan territory after attacks attributed to Fitna al Khawarij, a term used by Islamabad for TTP-linked militants.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration to prevent the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups. Kabul, however, maintains that it does not allow its territory to be used against any country.


Strained Ties and Hope for Stability

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained strained since 2023, following a surge in cross-border attacks after the TTP ended its ceasefire with Pakistan in late 2022.

Analysts say the Doha ceasefire agreement marks a rare diplomatic opening and could help stabilise the volatile border if both sides follow through on their commitments.

“It’s a fragile but important step toward reducing tensions,” said a senior Pakistani diplomat. “Sustained dialogue and credible monitoring will determine its success.”

Both governments have expressed optimism that continued talks — beginning with the upcoming Istanbul meeting on October 25 — will solidify a framework for lasting peace and cooperation.

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