Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, as announced by Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday. This comes after a recent week of intense fighting that has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides.
The agreement entails setting up mechanisms to ensure lasting peace and stability, along with scheduled follow-up discussions to maintain the ceasefire, according to a statement from Qatar. Delegations from both countries were present in Doha for talks aimed at resolving the deadliest conflict between them in several years, following the recent escalation in violence causing significant harm.
The negotiations were facilitated by Qatar and Turkey. The defense ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan led the discussions, focusing on taking urgent actions to halt cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan and restore peace along the border, as per Pakistan’s statement.
Both nations have accused each other of aggression, with Afghanistan denying allegations of sheltering militants conducting attacks in border regions. Amid the escalating violence, regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have called for calm to prevent further destabilization in the region, already challenged by groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaida seeking resurgence.
A 48-hour ceasefire, aimed at halting hostilities, expired on Friday evening, leading to subsequent strikes from Pakistan across the border. Pakistani security officials confirmed airstrikes on two districts in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, targeting hideouts of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group in response to a recent suicide bombing in Pakistan.
While Pakistani officials reported the elimination of armed fighters with no civilian casualties, Afghan authorities claimed the aerial attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians, including women, children, and local cricket players. The cricket board of Afghanistan decided to boycott an upcoming series in Pakistan in protest against the strikes.
On a somber note, thousands gathered for funeral prayers in Paktika, condemning the violence. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, criticized the actions of Pakistani forces, labeling them as repeated violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and deliberate attempts to prolong the conflict.
The historical border tensions between the two countries, sharing the controversial Durand Line border, have further complicated the situation. Pakistan, dealing with escalating militancy along its Afghan border, has accused rival India of supporting armed groups, though no concrete evidence has been provided.
In an address at the Pakistan Military Academy, army chief Asim Munir called on Afghans to prioritize mutual security and progress over perpetual violence and extremism, urging the Taliban to control groups operating from Afghan sanctuaries.