The Doha talks are seen as a crucial step in de-escalating hostilities, addressing security concerns, and preventing further civilian casualties along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following over a week of intense fighting that claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds injured, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday. The statement highlighted that both countries also committed to establishing mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability, with follow-up talks scheduled in the coming days to ensure the ceasefire holds.
The negotiations took place in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, and involved high-level delegations from both nations. Defense ministers led the discussions, with Pakistan emphasizing the need for “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the border.”
The clashes erupted last week after Pakistan launched airstrikes on Kabul, intensifying a series of cross-border hostilities. Both Islamabad and Kabul accused each other of aggression, with Pakistan claiming that militant groups had been using Afghan territory as a base for attacks, while Afghanistan denied harboring any elements responsible for cross-border violence.
Tragically, the conflict has had severe civilian consequences. On October 18, three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province, near the border. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that the players—identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—had traveled from Urgun to Sharana to participate in a friendly cricket match. In addition, five other civilians lost their lives during the strike.
In response to the deaths, the ACB announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series scheduled for late November, which was to involve Pakistan. The board described the move as a gesture of respect for the victims, stating: “In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan.”
A temporary 48-hour truce, brokered earlier to reduce tensions, had expired on Friday evening. However, just hours after the truce ended, Pakistan launched further airstrikes along the border, reigniting violence and complicating the path to peace. The latest ceasefire agreement in Doha marks a significant step toward halting hostilities, but analysts warn that the long-term stability of the border will require careful monitoring and continued diplomatic engagement.
The Doha talks, backed by Qatar and Turkey, signal an important diplomatic breakthrough, demonstrating both nations’ willingness to engage in dialogue despite escalating violence. Observers hope that the mechanisms agreed upon during the negotiations will provide a framework for sustained peace and border security, preventing further civilian casualties and fostering regional stability.
