The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar announced early Sunday that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks held in Doha, Qatar. The talks, mediated by Turkey, aim to end a fierce border conflict that has lasted for a week, resulting in dozens of casualties and hundreds of injuries.
According to Reuters, Qatar stated that both sides have agreed to further meetings in the coming days to ensure a permanent ceasefire and its proper implementation. These talks follow recent border skirmishes that left many dead and hundreds injured, marking the most serious confrontation between the two neighboring countries since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
Afghan officials reported that Defense Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoub led the Kabul delegation, while Pakistan was represented by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif in discussions with Taliban representatives.
Source: aajtak
Pakistan's Accusations
Pakistan's foreign office stated that the main goal of the talks was to halt cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability at the Pak-Afghan border. Violence erupted after Islamabad urged Kabul to curb militants who were crossing the border to launch attacks in Pakistan.
Taliban's Counterclaim
Meanwhile, the Taliban denied sheltering terrorists and accused Pakistan of spreading misinformation and supporting Islamic State-linked groups to destabilize Afghanistan. However, Pakistan rejects these claims, arguing that terrorists have long schemed to overthrow its government and impose strict Islamic rule.
Asim Munir's Statement
On Friday, a suicide attack near the border killed seven Pakistani soldiers and injured 13. Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, stated that the Afghan government must control groups using Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan.
Pakistan's Contradictory actions
Afghanistan reported that a few hours after extending the ceasefire deadline on Friday, Pakistan launched airstrikes targeting civilians. Kabul claimed its soldiers were ordered not to retaliate to maintain dialogue. The attacks killed three Afghan athletes in Paktika province, prompting Afghanistan to withdraw from the upcoming T-20 cricket series in Pakistan.
Pakistan's Assertion
Pakistan's Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stated that the attacks targeted terrorist camps, resulting in over 100 militants killed. He dismissed claims of civilian casualties.
