Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to halt hostilities with an immediate ceasefire sealed in Doha, where Qatari and Turkish mediation produced a framework to reduce violence and set up verification mechanisms. Senior officials confirmed the deal and pledged to meet again on October 25 to translate the truce into durable arrangements.

Terms And Next Steps

Delegations said the agreement commits both countries to avoid attacking each other’s forces, civilians or infrastructure, and to discourage support for armed groups operating against Pakistan.

Neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other… A mechanism will be established through third-party mediation to review bilateral claims.

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban Spokesman

A joint review body, with third-party facilitation, is being designed to verify compliance and address grievances.

What The Parties Said

Pakistan’s Defence Minister confirmed the breakthrough and expressed optimism about the next phase of talks.

The ceasefire has been finalised… detailed matters [will be discussed] on October 25.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defence Minister

He noted that the next round in Istanbul would focus on practical measures to sustain the truce and prevent future incidents.

A Week Of Clashes And Accusations

The talks followed days of ground fighting and Pakistani airstrikes along the 2,600-km frontier, violence described as the most intense since 2021. Kabul alleged civilian casualties from cross-border strikes, while Islamabad maintained it had targeted verified militant positions after deadly attacks inside Pakistan.

Mediation And Regional Reactions

Qatar’s foreign ministry said the goal now is to “ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner,” with Türkiye co-mediating the process. Afghan and Pakistani officials publicly thanked both mediators and pledged to respect each other’s territory under the new understanding.

Public Reaction And Prospects For Stability

The ceasefire announcement was met with cautious optimism in both countries, where residents of border provinces have borne the brunt of recent clashes. Analysts say that de-escalation could reopen trade routes and revive cross-border cooperation if both governments commit to sustained dialogue and restraint.