Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a significant breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend their ceasefire following one of the most intense border confrontations since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul. The decision was reached during peace talks in Istanbul, jointly mediated by Turkey and Qatar, aimed at restoring calm and rebuilding trust between the two nations.

The ceasefire, which began on October 19, came under strain after deadly border clashes earlier this month that triggered Pakistani airstrikes and Afghan retaliatory fire. The fighting forced the closure of key border crossings, halting trade and stranding travelers — a blow to both countries’ fragile economies.

According to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, both sides agreed to set up a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure compliance with the ceasefire. The mechanism will also include penalties for violations, signaling a more structured approach to maintaining peace along their 2,600 km border.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul, where officials will finalize how the mechanism will function. Turkey and Qatar reaffirmed their readiness to continue supporting dialogue for “lasting peace and stability” between Islamabad and Kabul.

In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the end of the talks and the agreement to hold future discussions. He emphasized that Afghanistan seeks relations with Pakistan “based on mutual respect and non-interference.”

The recent violence was sparked after Pakistan launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan, targeting Pakistani Taliban militants (TTP) it accuses of planning attacks across the border. Kabul condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of its sovereignty, and denied harboring the militant group.

For decades, the Pakistan-Afghanistan border — known as the Durand Line — has been a flashpoint for conflict, marked by frequent skirmishes and mutual distrust. The latest ceasefire extension, however, signals a rare moment of cooperation and an opportunity to prevent further escalation in a region already burdened by instability.

If successfully upheld, this ceasefire could mark a turning point in regional diplomacy, fostering dialogue over confrontation — a step many hope will finally bring peace to one of the world’s most volatile borders.

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