Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ceasefire during talks in Qatar, days after deadly clashes
PTC News Desk: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during peace talks hosted in Doha, Qatar, the Qatari Foreign Minister announced on Sunday. The negotiation held by Qatar and Turkey are expected to end week long hostilities and intense border clashes that killed dozens and injured hundreds.
Afghan officials confirmed that a Kabul delegation led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob participated in the Doha talks, while Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif led discussions with Taliban representatives.
According to Qatar’s statement, both sides agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days “to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner”.
The discussions followed intense border clashes, which killed dozens and wounded hundreds, making the worst confrontation between the neighbouring countries since the Taliban took over in 2021.
Pakistan’s foreign office said the talks focused on "immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border".
The violence erupted after Pakistan asked Afghanistan to control its militants who had been carrying out attacks rampantly from across the border. The Taliban however refused the allegations and accused Islamabad of spreading misinformation and supporting terror groups.
Islamabad rejected the accusations, saying that militants had waged a long-running campaign to overthrow the Pakistani government and impose a strict form of Islamic rule.
- PTC NEWS
