Pakistan, Afghanistan Seal Immediate Ceasefire in Doha After Deadly Clashes
Pakistan and Afghanistan inked an immediate ceasefire agreement during crucial talks in Doha, Qatar, effectively halting the recent deadly border hostilities. Significantly, this breakthrough followed Pakistani air strikes that tragically killed at least ten Afghan civilians, shattering a short 48-hour truce established earlier. The bloody clashes represented the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbors since the Taliban government returned to power in Kabul in 2021.
Mechanisms for Lasting Peace
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the agreement early Sunday, announcing both nations will create mechanisms to ensure lasting stability and peace. Subsequently, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif verified the ceasefire and scheduled follow-up meetings in Istanbul for 25 October. Asif then stressed that cross-border terrorism against Pakistan must immediately cease, demanding both countries respect each other’s sovereignty.
Additionally, Afghanistan’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the signing, asserting that neither nation will support groups attacking Pakistan, with the defense ministers reinforcing the agreement’s gravity by posting a picture of themselves shaking hands after the signing ceremony.
The Security Flashpoint
The escalating violence stems from chronic security issues along the 2,600-kilometer border separating the two nations. Consequently, Pakistan has experienced a dramatic spike in militant attacks near its extensive western frontier since 2021. Islamabad alleges hostile groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate freely from sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, a charge Kabul consistently denies.
The most recent wave of violence flared on 11 October, shortly after the Afghan Foreign Minister visited India, Pakistan’s main geopolitical rival. Tragically, the devastating Pakistani bombing in Paktika province claimed the lives of ten innocent civilians, including two children and three local cricket players.
Despite the ceasefire order, an official in Spin Boldak noted the situation only “is returning to normal” while many local people still feel afraid.
