Ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan after border clashes
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following lengthy talks in Qatar, after the worst border clashes in decades. The agreement was reached on Sunday, October 19.
Confrontations on the border between the two countries had intensified in recent days, with dozens of casualties reported. The report comes from the German broadcaster DW.
Representatives for Afghanistan and Pakistan had agreed to the border ceasefire on Saturday, October 18, during negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha. The declaration was published on the website of Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two countries also agreed to work together on "creating mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability" between them. Officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to meet again in the coming days to hold consultations on observing the ceasefire fully.
The agreement was signed by the Defence Ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid and Khawaja Asif, as well as representatives of Qatar and Turkey.
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the agreement will contribute to "ending tensions on the border between the two neighbouring countries" and lay the foundations for peace in the region.
The once-allied nations had become enemies after the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021, which led to intensified violence in Pakistan.
Relations had deteriorated following a series of targeted Pakistani air strikes in Kabul on September 9, followed by further strikes on a market in Paktika.
Afghan forces retaliated with attacks along the Durand Line, the disputed Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Ground troops used artillery and heavy weapons to fire on each other during the clashes preceding the ceasefire.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
