Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire following a period of intense fighting that resulted in numerous casualties. The agreement, facilitated by Qatar, aims to establish mechanisms for long-term peace and stability. Delegations from both countries met in Doha, with talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey.
The talks, led by the defense ministers of both nations, focused on immediate measures to address cross-border terrorism and restore peace along the border. Afghanistan denies sheltering militants responsible for attacks in border areas.
Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have called for calm as the violence threatens to destabilize the region further. A 48-hour ceasefire expired, leading to Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The strikes targeted hideouts of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group in response to a suicide bombing in Pakistan.
While Pakistani officials reported armed fighters being killed without civilian casualties, Afghan authorities claimed civilian deaths, including women and children. The attacks prompted the Afghan national cricket board to boycott an upcoming series in Pakistan.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned Pakistani forces’ actions as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The two countries share a border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not recognize.
Pakistan faces challenges with rising militancy, particularly along its border with Afghanistan. The country accuses India of supporting armed groups without evidence. Pakistan’s army chief emphasized the need for mutual security and progress, urging Afghan cooperation in addressing security concerns.