Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue the ceasefire reached earlier this month during negotiations mediated by Türkiye and Qatar, marking a significant step toward de-escalation along the tense border region.

According to a statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, meetings were held between October 25 and 30 in Istanbul with the participation of representatives from Türkiye, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The discussions aimed to reinforce the ceasefire initially brokered in Doha on October 18–19 under the joint mediation of Türkiye and Qatar.

The statement confirmed that the parties reached a consensus on maintaining the ceasefire and agreed to convene a high-level meeting in Istanbul on November 6 to discuss and finalize additional principles for its implementation.

In a move seen as crucial to sustaining peace, the sides also agreed to establish a joint monitoring and verification mechanism that will oversee the ceasefire’s implementation and impose penalties on any party found to be violating the agreement.

Türkiye and Qatar, acting as mediators, commended both Afghanistan and Pakistan for their constructive engagement throughout the process and reiterated their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and regional stability.

The recent developments follow weeks of heightened tensions and cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which prompted a 48-hour ceasefire announced on October 15. That truce was later extended with the support of Türkiye and Qatar until the conclusion of the Doha meetings.

The continuation of the ceasefire is being viewed as a hopeful sign for sustained dialogue and stability between the two neighboring nations long troubled by security concerns and border disputes. (ILKHA)