🕊️ In a major move toward peace, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following negotiations in Doha, Qatar. The announcement came early Sunday from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, which co-hosted the talks with Türkiye.
The deal extends a ceasefire that began Wednesday, aiming to halt the worst border violence between the neighbors since 2021. Both sides also promised follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the ceasefire holds and is properly verified.
🔍 What sparked the clashes?
Tensions flared after Islamabad accused militants of launching deadly attacks from sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Pakistani airstrikes and ground skirmishes along the 2,600-kilometer frontier killed dozens and wounded hundreds, including a suicide blast near the border that claimed seven Pakistani soldiers.
🗣️ Taliban's response
The Taliban has rejected claims of harboring militants and accused the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation. They also alleged Islamabad shelters Islamic State-linked fighters to destabilize Afghanistan. Pakistan denies these allegations.
✈️ Ongoing airstrikes
Despite the ceasefire, Pakistan’s jets targeted what they called verified militant camps in Afghanistan, claiming over 100 fighters killed. Afghanistan’s government condemned the strikes as civilian attacks but held back its fighters to keep the peace talks on track.
🤔 Looking ahead, both Pakistan and Afghanistan face pressure to turn this fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace. With new rounds of talks on the horizon, the world is watching: can these South Asian neighbors finally cool decades-long tensions? Stay tuned for updates! 🌏
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Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire after Doha talks
cgtn.com
