ISLAMABAD / KABUL:
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend their 48-hour ceasefire as delegations from both nations head to Doha for crucial peace talks, signaling cautious optimism after days of intense cross-border clashes.
According to diplomatic sources cited by Reuters, Pakistan’s delegation has already reached Doha, while Afghan representatives are expected to arrive on Saturday. The extension will remain in effect until the conclusion of the planned discussions.
The temporary truce, initiated earlier this week at Afghanistan’s request, had paused violent confrontations that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded along the volatile border.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that both countries are now “engaged in constructive dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution” to the ongoing border crisis.
The ceasefire follows a series of deadly exchanges triggered by unprovoked attacks from the Taliban and India-backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as Fitna al-Khawarij, on October 12. Pakistan’s military responded with “precision strikes” on militant positions inside Afghanistan, including Kandahar and Kabul, reportedly killing over 200 insurgents.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was willing to engage in dialogue “on reasonable terms” for a lasting peace. “Now, the ball is in the Taliban regime’s court,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a permanent ceasefire and mutual restraint.
The ongoing Doha talks, mediated by Qatari officials, are viewed as a crucial step toward preventing further escalation and restoring stability in the region.
