An agreement has been reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan on a ceasefire. Tensions between the two countries were at their peak following the airstrike by Pakistan.
After much negotiation in Doha, Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan have finally agreed on an immediate ceasefire. During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to India, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in several areas, including the Afghan capital, Kabul. This escalated tensions between the two countries. A 48-hour ceasefire was eventually established, but Pakistan retaliated with another airstrike, killing at least 10 Afghan civilians. Afghanistan reported that three cricketers were among those killed.
According to reports, the next talks between the delegations of the two countries will be held in Istanbul on October 25th. Turkey and Qatar were mediating to stop the fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Qatar's Foreign Minister stated that this agreement was essential for maintaining peace and harmony between the two countries. After participating in the talks in Doha, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that talks between the two countries would now take place in Istanbul on October 25th.
Asif stated that terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan on Pakistani soil must be stopped immediately. Both countries will respect each other's sovereignty. The Pakistani delegation included ISI Chief General Asim Malik. Afghanistan's Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob also participated in the talks.
Pakistan maintains that Afghanistan supports the Tehreek-e-Taliban and that terrorist attacks in Pakistan are plotted from its soil. Afghanistan denies this, stating that the Taliban played a key role in eliminating the ISIS, which had a strong presence in Pakistan. Prior to the talks, a senior Taliban official had stated that Pakistan bombed three locations in Pattika province. A total of 10 people, including two children and three cricketers, were killed. He said the situation at the border is currently under control.
