Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a swift ceasefire agreement, as confirmed by Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday. The ceasefire comes after a week of intense conflict resulting in numerous casualties.
Both countries have committed to implementing measures to foster long-term peace and stability. Follow-up discussions are scheduled in the upcoming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire, according to a statement from Qatar.
Delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan convened in Doha to address the deadliest clash between the nations in recent years. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at resolving the conflict that claimed the lives of many and left hundreds injured on both sides.
The discussions were led by the defense ministers of both countries, with a focus on immediate actions to halt cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan and restore peace along the border, as per Pakistan’s statement.
Tensions escalated as each side accused the other of aggression. Afghanistan refuted allegations of providing shelter to militants responsible for border area attacks.
Regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have appealed for calm to prevent further destabilization in an area where extremist groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaida are seeking resurgence.
A 48-hour ceasefire expired on Friday, following which Pakistan conducted strikes across the border into Afghanistan. Pakistani security officials confirmed the strikes in two districts of Afghanistan’s Paktika province.
The targeted areas belonged to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, as stated by officials requesting anonymity. The operation was reportedly a response to a suicide bombing in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province a day earlier.
While Pakistani officials claimed the strikes killed armed fighters with no civilian casualties, Afghan authorities reported the deaths of at least 10 civilians, including women, children, and local cricket players. The attacks led to the Afghan cricket board boycotting an upcoming series in Pakistan.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government’s spokesperson, condemned the actions of Pakistani forces, citing violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty as provocative and aimed at prolonging the conflict.
The border between the two countries, known as the Durand Line, spans 2,611 kilometers, although Afghanistan has never acknowledged its legitimacy.
Pakistan faces a rising militant threat, particularly along its border with Afghanistan, and accuses rival India of supporting armed groups without substantiating the claims.
Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, called on Afghans to prioritize mutual security and progress over violence and extremism. He urged the Taliban to control groups with sanctuaries in Afghanistan during an address at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul.