Historic ceasefire reached between Pakistan & Afghanistan after deadly clashes

DOHA: As tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan spiraled, border posts burned, troops fell, and another round of violence seemed inevitable, but the two sides reached a historic ceasefire agreement, bringing an abrupt end to weeks of deadly cross-border fighting that has left scores dead on both sides.

The deal, brokered by Qatar and Turkey late Sunday, is being hailed as a major step toward restoring peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions. Officials in Doha called the agreement “the foundation for lasting stability” between the two restive neighbors.

Islamabad and Kabul pledged an immediate ceasefire and a permanent mechanism for peace and security along their 2,500-kilometer border, a rugged frontier long plagued by terrorism, smuggling and insurgent activity. “Both sides agreed to establish a mechanism for an immediate cessation of hostilities and ensure long-term peace and stability,” the Qatari statement said, calling the agreement “a turning point for regional security.”

The ceasefire came after a dramatic escalation earlier this month when Taliban fighters and Indian-backed TTP militants launched a deadly unprovoked attack on Pakistani border forces on October 12.

The Pakistani military retaliated with large-scale counter-offensives and precision airstrikes inside Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Kabul provinces, killing more than 200 militants and destroying several strongpoints. The clashes killed 23 Pakistani soldiers, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Leading the Pakistani delegation, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the development, calling it a “new dawn of peace and stability in the region.” He announced that the next round of talks would be held in Istanbul on October 25, adding that both countries had pledged to respect each other’s territorial sovereignty and to immediately end cross-border terrorism.

The defense minister said that Pakistan was willing to be wiped out and there would be no more bloodshed. He declared that there would be no more attacks from Afghan soil.

Islamabad gave a clear warning during the Doha talks: the presence of militant sanctuaries in Afghanistan was unacceptable.

In recent weeks, Pakistani forces have also carried out precision strikes on the Gul Bahadur group’s hideouts in North and South Waziristan, killing 60-70 militants, while more than 100 members of the Khawarij group were neutralized in separate counter-terrorism operations.

The ceasefire could open a new chapter in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations – or just a temporary pause in the decades-long conflict.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has seen a sharp increase in cross-border terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent groups like the outlawed TTP from using Afghan soil for attacks.