In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following marathon talks in Doha.
The 13-hour-long negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, mark a significant step toward restoring peace and stability between the neighbouring countries.
Breakthrough achieved in Doha talks
According to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both countries reached a historic agreement during discussions held in Doha. The talks resulted in a commitment to an immediate ceasefire and the creation of a joint mechanism for sustainable peace and regional stability.
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The Qatari statement emphasized that the ceasefire’s implementation and long-term continuity would be closely monitored. It expressed optimism that this development would reduce tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and pave the way for lasting peace between the “brotherly nations.”
Statement | Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to an Immediate Ceasefire During a Round of Negotiations in Doha#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/fPXvn6GaU6
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 18, 2025
Mediation role by Qatar, Turkiye
The high-stakes dialogue was hosted by Qatar, with Turkiye playing a pivotal mediating role. Turkish intelligence officials and Qatari diplomats facilitated the extended 13-hour session between delegations from both sides.
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Pakistan’s delegation was led by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, while Afghanistan’s side was represented by Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob. Both sides engaged in detailed discussions on cross-border security and counterterrorism cooperation.
Ceasefire terms and next steps
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, where detailed discussions will take place on implementing the ceasefire and establishing a long-term peace framework.
According to official statements, both countries have agreed to respect each other’s territorial sovereignty and ensure that no terrorist activity originates from their soil. The Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed that mechanisms will be developed to prevent future escalations.
Pakistan’s stance and demands
During the negotiations, Pakistan demanded decisive action against all terrorist factions operating within Afghan territory, including groups referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. The agreement commits Afghanistan to curbing such activities immediately.
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Defense Minister Khawaja Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s position in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), alongside a photograph of him shaking hands with his Afghan counterpart. He confirmed that “terrorism from Afghanistan will stop immediately” and reiterated the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty.
پاکستان اور افغانستان کے مابین سیز فائر کا معاہدہ طے پاگیا۔ پاکستان کی سرزمین پہ افغانستان سے دھشت گردی کا سلسلہ فی الفور بند ھوگا۔ دونوں ھمسایہ ملک ایک دوسرے کی سرزمین کا احترام کریں گے الحمدوللہ
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) October 18, 2025
25اکتوبر کو استنبول میں دوبارہ وفود میں ملاقات ھو گی۔ اور تفصیلی معاملات بات ھوگی۔… pic.twitter.com/OKNbRuXEPU
Regional reactions and hopes for peace
Qatar hailed the ceasefire as a foundation for sustainable peace in South Asia. In its statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed confidence that the agreement will help end border hostilities and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Khawaja Asif also thanked Qatar and Turkiye for their diplomatic efforts, saying their mediation was “instrumental in achieving this landmark understanding.”
In a statement on Saturday, the Foreign Office spokesperson had said the talks would focus on practical measures to prevent terrorism originating from Afghan soil and to ensure lasting peace along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
“Pakistan does not seek any kind of tension,” the spokesperson said, stressing that Islamabad remains committed to dialogue and peaceful cooperation.
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The official added that Pakistan expects the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their commitments made to the international community and to take verifiable action against terrorist entities, including the FAK/TTP and FAH/BLA, which threaten Pakistan’s security.
Pakistan calls for respecting security concerns
The Foreign Office underscored that Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed to restore mutual trust. “Afghan Taliban officials should fulfil their promises made to the international community,” the spokesperson reiterated, emphasizing that Pakistan’s goal is to eliminate cross-border terrorist activity and prevent the use of Afghan territory for anti-Pakistan operations.
Islamabad hopes the Doha talks will serve as a platform to achieve tangible progress in countering terrorism and building a framework for regional peace and cooperation.
