In a major development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry announced on Sunday.
In an official statement,
Qatar’s foreign ministry said Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire and also agreed to the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries.
“A round of negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held in Doha, mediated by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye. During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries,” it said.
Statement | Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to an Immediate Ceasefire During a Round of Negotiations in Doha#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/fPXvn6GaU6
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 18, 2025
“The two parties also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner, thus contributing to achieving security and stability in both countries,” it added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s hope that this important step will contribute to ending tensions on the border between the two brotherly countries and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.
Pakistan Breaches 48-Hour Ceasefire
The first round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Doha concluded late Saturday on a “positive note”, after more than four and a half hours of closed-door discussions aimed at easing rising border tensions between the two neighbours.
Top diplomatic sources in Doha told CNN-News18 that the delegations would remain in Qatar overnight and resume discussions on Sunday morning for the second session of talks. After the talks concluded, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the next round of talks would be held in Istanbul on October 25.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry had earlier said the talks in Doha aimed to “end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border”. The Defence Minister, the National Security Adviser, and the Director-General of the ISI, Lt Gen Asim Malik, led the Pakistani delegation.
The Doha meeting follows days of heavy fighting along the Durand Line, which has left dozens dead on both sides. The violence flared after a 48-hour ceasefire was broken by Pakistan on Friday night as it launched airstrikes across the border, killing 10 people in the Paktika province, despite talks in Doha on extending the ceasefire.
Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led government of sheltering militants, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who have intensified attacks within Pakistan. In response, Kabul has rejected the accusations, stating that Pakistan is responsible for its own security.
The 2,611-kilometre border has long been a source of friction, with Afghanistan refusing to recognise it formally. On the other hand, Pakistan, grappling with a renewed insurgency in its frontier provinces, has blamed elements of the TTP operating from across the border.
Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has urged the Taliban to rein in militant proxies and prioritise peace.
