Afghanistan, Pakistan pledge to respect ceasefire reached in Doha

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan and Pakistan, embroiled in fighting that has killed dozens of people and injured hundreds, pledged on Sunday to respect a ceasefire. The truce, mediated by Qatar and , came into effect immediately and is intended to pause hostilities.

The Taliban govt's chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, gave a positive response to the outcome of the talks, that lasted 13 hours and took place in the Qatari capital, Doha, a day earlier. He said both countries had signed a bilateral agreement. "It has been decided that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan. Both sides will refrain from targeting each other's security forces, civilians or critical infrastructure."


A mechanism would be established in the future, "under the mediation of intermediary countries," to review bilateral claims and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement.

Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif posted confirmation of the deal on X. " from Afghan territory will cease immediately," Asif wrote. "A follow-up meeting between the delegations is likely to take place in Istanbul on Oct 25 to discuss the matters."