Afghanistan and Pakistan Extend Border Ceasefire Following Diplomatic Negotiations in Turkey

For now, the fragile truce remains intact.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have concluded their critical negotiations in Istanbul aimed at easing tensions along their troubled border. The talks, spanning from October 25-30 with mediation support from Türkiye and Qatar, resulted in an agreement to extend the ceasefire previously established in Doha earlier this month.

According to Thursday's joint statement, representatives from all four nations "agreed on continuation of ceasefire" and scheduled another round of senior-level meetings in Istanbul on November 6 to finalize implementation details. The parties have committed to establishing a monitoring and verification mechanism to maintain the truce, with penalties for any violations—addressing a crucial concern from both countries seeking to prevent further military confrontation.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan issued a separate statement through spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, emphasizing their dedication to resolving conflicts "through diplomacy and understanding." Mujahid indicated that Kabul had appointed "a comprehensive and professional team" and engaged in the negotiations "sincerely and seriously," highlighting the Emirate's desire for "positive ties with Pakistan" founded on principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and non-aggression.

Mujahid described the Istanbul negotiations as "a complex process" that "concluded with agreement that both sides will meet again and discuss the remaining issues," while expressing gratitude to Türkiye and Qatar for their mediation efforts.

These discussions took place amid escalating tensions following recent exchanges of cross-border fire and mutual accusations. Earlier on Thursday, Afghanistan's Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani cautioned Pakistan that "any act of aggression against Afghanistan will be a big mistake and could cost Pakistan dearly," while simultaneously affirming that diplomatic channels remain open.

For now, the delicate ceasefire holds—providing a rare moment of diplomatic progress in a region long characterized by distrust. As both nations prepare to reconvene in Istanbul next week, the sustainability of this truce will depend on whether diplomatic efforts can finally overcome the historical suspicion that has defined relations along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.