Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to continue ceasefire

Joint Declaration Issued After Istanbul Talks / Photo File (Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to continue the ceasefire, following a new round of talks held in Istanbul. A joint declaration was issued after the discussions, facilitated by Turkey and Qatar, marking an important step toward regional peace and stability.

According to the statement released by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban were held in Istanbul from October 25 to 30, under the mediation of Turkey and Qatar. These discussions aimed to strengthen the ceasefire agreement initially reached in Doha on October 18–19.

The declaration stated that both sides had agreed to sustain the ceasefire, while the implementation rules and monitoring mechanisms would be finalized during the next round of talks in Istanbul on November 6.

To ensure adherence to the agreement, both parties also agreed to establish a joint monitoring and verification system that will oversee compliance and impose penalties for any violations of the ceasefire.

The mediating countries, Turkey and Qatar, commended both sides for their constructive engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to support continued dialogue for peace and stability in the region.

It is worth noting that Pakistan had earlier agreed to resume negotiations with Afghanistan at Turkey’s request. According to diplomatic sources, while the Pakistani delegation had initially planned to return home after inconclusive discussions, Turkish officials requested them to stay in Istanbul to allow further progress.

Turkey expressed hope that the Istanbul talks, held under its auspices, would yield tangible results and pave the way for lasting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan.