DOHA (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a round of negotiations in Doha mediated by Qatar and Türkiye, officials confirmed on Saturday. The agreement marks a potential breakthrough after months of rising border tensions and militant activity along the shared frontier.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in an official statement, saying both countries had not only agreed to halt hostilities but also committed to establishing mechanisms aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability. “This development lays a strong foundation for sustainable peace and the reduction of border tensions between the two brotherly countries,” the ministry 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
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also confirmed the agreement in a post on X, saying, “The series of terrorist attacks from Afghanistan’s soil into Pakistan will stop immediately. Both neighbouring countries will respect each other’s territorial integrity, Alhamdulillah. The next round of talks will be held in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss details further. We are deeply grateful to our brotherly nations, Qatar and Türkiye.”
The Qatari statement added that the two sides agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability and effective implementation of the ceasefire. Qatar expressed hope that this initiative would help end tensions along the border and strengthen regional security cooperation.
According to sources, the first round of talks was hosted in Doha by Qatar’s intelligence chief, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, and attended by delegations from both sides. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, accompanied by senior security officials.
The Afghan delegation was headed by Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, with intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq also participating. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect, border stability and the eradication of terrorism.
