The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a ceasefire agreement following peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant breakthrough after weeks of deadly cross-border clashes.

According to a statement by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the truce is described as both “immediate” and “permanent.” The talks were mediated by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye, with both countries playing key roles in facilitating dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad.

“A round of negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan was held in Doha, mediated by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye,” the statement said. “During these talks, both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure lasting peace and stability between the two countries. Follow-up meetings will be held in the coming days to ensure the continuity of the ceasefire.”

The Islamic Emirate confirmed the agreement, emphasizing its commitment to mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated on X that both sides had agreed not to engage in any hostile actions.

“It was agreed that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against the Pakistani government,” Mujahid said. “Both sides will refrain from attacking each other’s security forces, civilians, or facilities. A mechanism will be established through third-party mediation to review bilateral claims and implement the agreement.”

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who participated in the talks, confirmed that a follow-up meeting would be held in Istanbul on October 25 to review the implementation of the ceasefire and discuss long-term peace mechanisms. “Both neighboring countries will respect each other’s territory,” Asif wrote on X. “We sincerely thank Qatar and Türkiye for their mediation and contribution to peace.”

The agreement comes after intense clashes that erupted on October 9, when Pakistan launched cross-border strikes that violated Afghan airspace, reportedly targeting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader Noor Wali Mehsud. The Islamic Emirate condemned the attack as an “act of aggression,” with local sources reporting that several civilians, including women and children, were killed in the bombings.

The ceasefire, if sustained, could mark a turning point in Afghanistan–Pakistan relations, which have long been strained by border tensions and mutual accusations of harboring militant groups. The Doha agreement, backed by Qatar and Türkiye, is seen as a crucial step toward regional stability and an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the frontier for years. (ILKHA)