Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after more than a week of deadly fighting.
The foreign ministry of Qatar, which mediated talks alongside Turkey, revealed that both sides agreed to establish mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, emphasized the importance of ending hostile actions, with Pakistan's foreign minister labeling the agreement as a first step in the right direction.
Both parties have claimed significant casualties during the clashes, which represent the worst violence since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of hosting armed groups that target its territory, claims that the Taliban has consistently denied. Tensions escalated along their 1,600-mile border following accusations that Pakistan was behind attacks on Kabul.
A temporary truce was briefly declared as negotiations were held in Doha, yet mutual hostilities persisted, highlighted by Pakistani retaliatory strikes after Afghan forces targeted border posts.
At least 36 Afghan civilians reportedly lost their lives amid the violence, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
The agreement mandates that the Taliban will not support groups conducting attacks against Pakistan while both sides have pledged to refrain from targeting each other’s security personnel and infrastructure.
This ceasefire represents a hope for de-escalation and potential dialogues for long-term peace, with future discussions scheduled to take place in Istanbul.
Previously, Pakistan had been a critical supporter of the Taliban post their ousting in 2001, but relations have soured over accusations of safe havens for terrorist groups that have attacked Pakistani forces.
