Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to continue the existing ceasefire following high-level negotiations held in Istanbul, according to a joint statement released late Thursday night. The dialogue, hosted by Turkey and facilitated by Qatar, aimed to build mutual trust after weeks of border tension and stalled communication between the two sides.
The joint communiqué stated that both delegations reaffirmed their “commitment to peace, restraint, and constructive engagement” to prevent further escalation. Pakistan reportedly stressed the need for coordinated security measures to stop militant infiltration along the border, while the Afghan side sought assurances on humanitarian and trade facilitation.
Diplomatic observers say the continuation of the ceasefire is a “positive step” that could help ease regional instability, though challenges remain in maintaining long-term trust and practical cooperation.
