Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an immediate ceasefire agreement following high-stakes negotiations in Doha, Qatar's Foreign Ministry announced Sunday. The breakthrough comes after weeks of escalating border clashes that claimed dozens of lives and marked the worst violence between the neighbors since 2021.
Mediated by Qatar and Türkiye, the talks resulted in both sides committing to follow-up meetings to ensure compliance. "The parties agreed to verify implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner," read an official statement, signaling cautious optimism for lasting peace.
Tensions flared earlier this month when Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting what it called "militant camps" along the 2,600-km border. Kabul condemned the strikes as civilian attacks, while Islamabad accused Afghanistan-based groups of orchestrating cross-border raids – including a Friday suicide bombing that killed seven Pakistani soldiers.
The Taliban-led Afghan government maintains it does not harbor militants targeting Pakistan, counter-accusing Islamabad of sheltering groups seeking to destabilize Afghanistan. Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir reiterated demands for Kabul to curb militant activities, stating: "Afghan soil must not be used for attacks against Pakistan."
As diplomatic efforts continue, analysts warn the fragile truce faces challenges from entrenched mistrust and complex security dynamics. The agreement nonetheless marks a critical step toward stabilizing a region long plagued by conflict spillovers.
