After days of escalating border violence, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire”, confirmed the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar and Turkey, following a series of deadly airstrikes that killed at least 10 people, including three Afghan cricketers.
Ceasefire Agreement and Future Talks
According to the official statement from Qatar, both sides have agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days. These meetings aim to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and to verify its implementation in a transparent and reliable manner.
Qatar’s statement added that the goal is to promote peace, security, and long-term stability in both nations.
Fresh Violence Before the Truce
The ceasefire comes just hours after fresh Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory. The strikes reportedly targeted Taliban militants near the Durand Line, but also resulted in civilian casualties.
Officials from Afghanistan’s Paktika province confirmed that ten civilians, including two children, were killed and twelve others injured.
Afghanistan Blames Pakistan for Violating Territory
Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund claimed that Pakistan initiated the strikes, violating Afghan sovereignty. He reiterated that “Afghanistan is not in favour of war” and called for restraint from both sides.
In contrast, Pakistani officials stated that the airstrikes targeted the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group responsible for recent attacks on Pakistani forces along the border.
Cricketers Among the Victims
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that three domestic players — Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were among those killed in the Paktika airstrike.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also issued a condolence message, expressing grief over the deaths of the young athletes and calling it a “tragic loss for Afghan cricket.”
Background of the Conflict
Earlier this week, Pakistan and Afghanistan had observed a 48-hour truce also mediated by Qatar. However, renewed hostilities broke out soon after.
This second ceasefire, officials hope, will mark the beginning of sustained peace efforts between the two neighbours, who have long accused each other of harbouring militants across the border.
