Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ‘immediate ceasefire’: What transpired at Doha talks

After days of fierce clashes along the border, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during the negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkiye in Doha. 

 

The two sides also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days "to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner", Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement early on Sunday.

 

"A round of negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held in Doha, mediated by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye. During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries," the statement said. 

 

Qatar expressed optimism that the ceasefire would contribute to ending tensions on the border between the two “brotherly countries” and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.

 

Dozens were killed and hundreds wounded in the worst violence between the two countries since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

 

Several regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, called for calm, as the violence threatened to further destabilise a region where groups including the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda are trying to resurface.

 

Both governments had sent their defence ministers to Doha to lead the talks. Pakistan's foreign office earlier said the talks would focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the border.

 

The Taliban has denied giving shelter to militants to attack Pakistan and accused the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan and sheltering Islamic State-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty.

 

The two countries share a 2,611-kilometre border known as the Durand Line, but Afghanistan has never recognised it.

World