Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Doha Crisis Talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Ceasefire After Crisis Talks In a breakthrough development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an "immediate ceasefire" following crisis talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha on Saturday. The agreement comes after days of fighting that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded on both sides. The ceasefire was confirmed by Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who said the two countries would meet again in Istanbul on October 25 to establish mechanisms for lasting peace on their shared border. Asif also stated that terrorism conducted from Afghanistan against Pakistani soil would immediately stop, and both countries would respect each other's sovereignty. The talks began earlier Saturday and were facilitated by Qatar and Turkey. The agreement marks a significant step towards defusing tensions between the two nations, which have been at odds since 2021. Pakistan and Afghanistan have accused each other of provoking hostilities, leading to several days of fighting last week. This development comes as a welcome relief for the international community, which has been closely watching the situation on the shared border. The agreement is seen as a crucial step towards establishing peace in the region and reducing tensions between the two countries. The crisis talks were held against the backdrop of escalating violence along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The fighting had raised concerns about the potential for further instability in the region, which has already been plagued by conflict and terrorism. As part of the agreement, both sides have agreed to establish mechanisms to ensure lasting peace on their shared border. This includes measures to prevent cross-border attacks and promote cooperation on security issues. The next step will be a meeting between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul on October 25, where they will work towards implementing the ceasefire agreement and establishing a framework for long-term peace. This development is being closely watched by the international community, with many hoping that it marks a significant turning point in relations between the two countries. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*