Pak, Afghanistan agree to an immediate ceasefire; establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace & stability
Khawaja Asif says terrorist attacks from Afghanistan on Pakistan’s soil will cease immediately
An agreement was reached during a round of negotiations b/w the two countries in Doha, mediated by Qatar & Turkiye
DOHA ( WEB NEWS )
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries.
The agreement has been reached during a round of negotiations between the two countries in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye.
The two parties also agreed to hold follow up meetings to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar expressed hope that this important step will contribute to end tensions between the two brotherly countries and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following high-level negotiations in Doha, where both countries pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and are expected to meet again on October 25 to further discuss matters, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Sunday.
Amid heightened tensions along the Pak-Afghan border, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Asif traveled to Doha on Saturday for talks with Afghan Taliban officials, aimed at ending cross-border hostilities and addressing Pakistan’s security concerns. Facilitated by Qatar, the talks followed days of clashes and Pakistani strikes on Gul Bahadur group camps in Afghanistan, after a 48-hour ceasefire was extended to allow negotiations.
In a post on X, the minister announced, “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,” adding that delegations will meet again in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss matters in detail. “We are sincerely grateful to both brotherly countries, Qatar and Turkiye,” the minister said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar welcomed the announcement, calling it a “step in the right direction.”
Taking to X, FM Dar said, “[I] welcome the agreement finalised late last night in Doha. It is the first step in the right direction.” “Deeply appreciate the constructive role played by brotherly Qatar and Turkiye,’ he added.
Ishaq Dar expressed hope for the establishment of a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” to tackle terrorism “emanating from Afghan soil” in the upcoming Istanbul meeting.
He stressed that “it is important to put all efforts in place to prevent any further loss of lives.”
Separately, the spokesperson for the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Zabiullah Mujahid, in a statement issued on Sunday, said: “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.”
“Under the terms of the agreement, both sides reaffirm their commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the maintenance of strong and constructive [neighbourly] relations,” the statement added.
As per the statement, both countries mutually agreed that “neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan.”
“Both sides will refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure,” it added.
Underscoring commitment towards diplomacy, the statement said: “Both sides are committed to resolving issues and disputes through dialogue”, detailing that “a comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire has been mutually agreed upon.”
“In the future, a mechanism will be established, under the mediation of intermediary countries, to review bilateral claims and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement,” it said.
The spokesperson also extended appreciation to Qatar and Turkiye for their role in facilitating the agreement.
Earlier the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development. “During the talks, both countries not only agreed on an immediate ceasefire but also decided to establish a permanent mechanism for bilateral peace and stability,” the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs further noted that both countries will hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the implementation and sustained continuity of the ceasefire. “These measures will prove beneficial in promoting security and stability in both Pakistan and Afghanistan,” it said.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs the negotiations, hosted by the State of Qatar with Turkiye acting as mediator, continued for 13 hours.