Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry announced on Saturday night on X.
According to the Qatari foreign ministry, the ceasefire agreement is expected to create a strong foundation for lasting peace in the region.
Both countries have also agreed to hold more meetings in the coming days and to establish a permanent mechanism to ensure peace and stability between them.
Confirming the agreement, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed hope that the ceasefire would end border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The minister said the delegations from both sides would reconvene in Istanbul on October 25, highlighting that both countries have agreed to respect each other’s territorial sovereignty.
Pakistan has presented a firm stance in the ongoing Doha negotiations, demanding that the Afghan Taliban stop cross-border terrorism and prevent militant infiltration from Afghan soil.
Diplomatic sources said the first round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Doha has been completed, while the second round is scheduled to begin tomorrow. The discussions, mediated by Qatar, come at a time of heightened border tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
According to diplomatic officials, Pakistan has drawn a clear red line for the Afghan Taliban, declaring that the presence of militant outfits such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) inside Afghanistan is “unacceptable.” Islamabad also named “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” among groups it views as direct threats to regional stability.
Pakistan warned in unequivocal terms that cross-border infiltration must stop and that any future attacks launched from Afghan territory would receive a strong and proportionate response.
Pakistan’s delegation is being led by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, accompanied by senior security and intelligence officials. On the Afghan side, the talks are headed by Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, with the Taliban’s intelligence chief, Mawlawi Abdul Haq Wathiq, also part of the team. The negotiations are being hosted and facilitated by Qatar’s intelligence chief.
Pakistan’s message to Kabul was delivered in strong diplomatic language, stating that its patience is not unlimited. The Pakistani delegation reiterated that Afghanistan must act against militant groups operating from its soil and ensure its territory is not used for any attacks against Pakistan. Officials said that Islamabad has made it clear that the continuation of border peace depends on verifiable Taliban action against all terrorist networks.