Doha (Web Desk): A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following negotiations held in Doha.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement, stating that both neighboring countries have agreed to respect each other's territories, and that terrorism originating from Afghanistan on Pakistani soil will cease immediately.
The negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, were led by Khawaja Asif on behalf of Pakistan and by Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob for Afghanistan. The talks lasted for almost 13 hours, during which both sides agreed on a ceasefire and decided to hold future meetings.
According to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ceasefire agreement provides a strong foundation for achieving sustainable peace in the region, with hopes to reduce border tensions.
Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement on X (formerly Twitter) and thanked Qatar and Turkey for their mediation, adding that a follow-up meeting will be held in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss other matters in detail.
Diplomatic experts suggest that this development could be disappointing for India, as it would significantly undermine Afghan-based Indian efforts to destabilize Pakistan.
The first round of talks, hosted by Qatari Intelligence Chief Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khalifa, was attended by Pakistani security officials assisting Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The Afghan delegation, led by Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, and Afghan intelligence officials participated in the discussions.