Afghanistan and Pakistan, embroiled in fighting that has killed dozens and injured hundreds, pledged on Sunday to respect a cease-fire. The truce, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came into effect immediately and is intended to pause hostilities between the two neighbors.
Violence has escalated since earlier this month, with each country accusing the other of aggression. Afghanistan denies harboring militants who carry out attacks in border areas, while Pakistan is grappling with militancy that surged after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021 and returned to power.
The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, responded positively to the outcome of talks held in Doha, Qatar, a day earlier. He confirmed that both countries signed a bilateral agreement, stating:
“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. Both sides will refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure.”
Furthermore, a mechanism will be established in the future, “under the mediation of intermediary countries,” to review bilateral claims and ensure the effective implementation of the agreement.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also confirmed the deal on X, writing:
“Cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease immediately. Both countries will respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He added that a follow-up meeting between the delegations is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul to discuss the issues in more detail.
Both Mujahid and Asif expressed their gratitude to Qatar and Turkey for facilitating the talks that led to the ceasefire, marking a hopeful step toward easing tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/19/world-news/afghanistan-pakistan-pledge-to-respect-cease-fire-after-more-than-a-week-of-deadly-fighting/
