Pakistan And Afghanistan Agree To Ceasefire After Days Of Deadly Clashes – Can Peace Last? | World News

Pakistan-Taliban Ceasefire: Islamabad and Kabul agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a week of deadly violence along their shared 2,600km border; This period has been described as the lowest point in relations since the Taliban came to power in 2021. The agreement follows peace talks facilitated by Qatar and Türkiye in Doha, in which both sides committed to halt hostilities and pursue lasting peace and stability.

There were dozens of dead and hundreds of injured in the conflict that broke out on October 11. The violence began after Pakistan launched attacks in Kabul and Pktika province, claiming the targets were armed groups linked to attacks on its territory.

The ceasefire announced by the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs included the immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace. Follow-up meetings were planned to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation to ensure security and stability for both countries.

Pakistan confirmed the agreement via social media, stressing that “cross-border terrorism from Afghan soil” would end immediately and that both countries would respect each other’s sovereignty. A follow-up committee meeting was planned for October 25 in Istanbul to discuss the issues in detail.

The ceasefire was described as a “first step in the right direction”, with expectations of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism that would prevent further loss of life. Both Pakistan and the Taliban reiterated their determination to resolve disputes through dialogue, refrain from hostile actions, and refrain from supporting groups carrying out cross-border attacks. They expressed their gratitude to Qatar and Türkiye for facilitating the talks that led to the ceasefire.

Pakistan blamed the Taliban for the attacks that have intensified in recent years by armed groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Violence has increased in border areas, with more than 2,400 deaths recorded in the first three quarters of 2025. Pakistan sought assurances that these groups would not operate freely in Afghanistan or launch attacks on its territory.

The Taliban emphasized that Afghan territory will not be used against any other country, describing this as a consistent stance of the Islamic Emirate. They confirmed that the government does not support any attacks against other countries.

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul had previously soured over Pakistan’s support for the Taliban before 2001 and during the US-led invasion, coupled with the Taliban’s refusal or inability to rein in the TTP. TTP has allegedly carried out hundreds of attacks over the past year, making it one of Pakistan’s biggest security threats. Violence increased after the TTP withdrew from the 2022 ceasefire, citing Islamabad’s renewed military operations.

TTP, which is banned in Pakistan and designated a terrorist organization by the United States, has historically targeted civilians and security forces, causing thousands of deaths. The deadliest attack was the Army Public School massacre in Peshawar in 2014, when more than 130 students were killed. The Pakistani military has attempted numerous operations against the group but has had limited success due to its ability to cross the porous border with Afghanistan.

Political analysts have emphasized the risks of military action. Bombing Afghanistan and targeting its civilian population was described as a problematic approach, and it was recalled that the US’ two-decade-long occupation had failed to yield by force.

Analysts questioned the logic of expecting different results from similar strategies today and emphasized that there are no winners in war, only losers.

The ceasefire represents a temporary pause, a framework for dialogue and an opportunity to stop violence along the border. Both Islamabad and Kabul have demonstrated a willingness to pursue peace, subject to mutual commitment and monitoring, in the hope that the mechanisms established through Doha and Turkey will provide a basis for stability in a region marked by years of conflict.