Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to maintain ceasefire with monitoring mechanism after worst border clashes since Taliban takeover.
ISTANBUL: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend a ceasefire following talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar.
The ceasefire originally began on October 19 after the worst border clashes between the neighbours in years.
Both countries faced their most serious military confrontations since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul.
Deadly clashes this month triggered Pakistani airstrikes and Afghan retaliatory fire.
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Key crossings used for trade and transit were closed during the hostilities.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry announced all parties agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism.
This mechanism will ensure maintenance of peace and impose penalties on any violating party.
The ministry was referring to talks held from October 25 to October 30.
A follow-up meeting will be held in Istanbul on November 6 to decide how the mechanism will be implemented.
Turkey and Qatar stated they stand ready to continue cooperation with both sides for lasting peace and stability.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the conclusion of the talks in a separate statement.
He said both sides had agreed to continue discussions in future meetings.
Mujahid added that Afghanistan seeks good relations with Pakistan based on mutual respect and non-interference.
Pakistan did not immediately comment on the agreement.
The clashes erupted after Pakistan launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan against Pakistani Taliban militants.
Pakistan says these militants are based in Afghanistan and responsible for attacks on its forces.
Kabul condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and denies sheltering the group.
The border between the two countries runs more than 2,600 kilometres.
This long border has long been a source of friction with frequent skirmishes and mutual accusations over militant sanctuaries. – Reuters
