Pakistan and Afghanistan Extend Ceasefire After Successful Mediation Talks in Istanbul

The neighboring nations experienced their most serious military confrontation since the Taliban gained control of Kabul in 2021.

Istanbul:

On Thursday, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to extend their ceasefire during negotiations held in Istanbul. Turkey and Qatar jointly mediated these talks, according to Turkish officials.

The ceasefire has been in effect since October 19.

Both countries recently faced their most significant military clash since the Taliban's return to power in Kabul in 2021. The deadly confrontations this month escalated to Pakistani airstrikes, retaliatory fire from Afghanistan, and the closure of crucial border crossings that serve as vital trade and transit routes.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry stated regarding the October 25-30 talks: "All parties have reached an agreement to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism that will ensure peace maintenance and impose penalties on any party that violates the agreement."

The ministry further noted that a follow-up meeting is scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul to determine implementation methods for this mechanism. They added that "Turkey and Qatar stand ready to continue cooperation with both sides for lasting peace and stability."

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a separate statement shortly before midnight in Istanbul confirming the talks' conclusion and indicating that both sides had agreed to continue discussions in future meetings.

Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan desires good relations with Pakistan "based on mutual respect and non-interference."

Pakistan has not yet issued an official comment on the matter.

BORDER CLASHES SPARKED AIRSTRIKES

The conflict erupted after Pakistan conducted airstrikes within Afghanistan targeting Pakistani Taliban militants. Pakistan claims these militants are based in Afghanistan and responsible for attacks against Pakistani forces. Kabul strongly condemned these strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty and denies providing shelter to these militant groups.

The 2,600 km (1,600 miles) border between the countries has historically been a source of tension, with frequent skirmishes and mutual accusations regarding militant sanctuaries.