According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, the ceasefire was brokered with mediation from Qatar and Turkey, with both nations agreeing to establish mechanisms for lasting peace and stability. The announcement came after a week of escalating violence along the Pak-Afghan border, where Pakistani airstrikes reportedly targeted militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) following an attack on Pakistani paramilitary troops.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the ceasefire, stating that both sides would reconvene in Istanbul on October 25 to monitor the agreement’s progress. “Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop. Both neighbouring countries will respect each other’s sovereignty,” he said on social media.
The Afghan delegation, led by Defence Chief Mohammad Yaqoob, accused Pakistan of violating an earlier 48-hour truce with airstrikes in Paktika province that killed 10 civilians, including two children and three cricket players.
While officials in both capitals confirmed that tensions have begun to ease, residents in border areas remain on edge. “For now, the situation is returning to normal, but people are still afraid,” said Afghan minister Saadullah Torjan.
Both nations have agreed to continue dialogue to prevent further escalation and ensure stability along the volatile border.
