Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire after 13-hour talks in Doha

DOHA: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following 13 hours of high-level negotiations held in Doha, Qatar. The talks come amid heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries.

The negotiations were hosted by the State of Qatar, with Turkey playing a key mediating role. According to a statement issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides have not only agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities but have also committed to developing a permanent mechanism to ensure lasting peace and stability.

“Both parties expressed consent to an immediate ceasefire and agreed to establish a permanent mechanism for bilateral peace and stability,” the official statement read.

Follow-up meetings are scheduled in the coming days to ensure the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of the ceasefire agreement.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry expressed optimism that this development would contribute significantly to security and stability in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The ministry further hoped that this step would lay a solid foundation for resolving border tensions and promoting lasting peace in the region.

Pakistan was represented in the talks by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The Pakistani delegation also raised concerns over the terrorist activities of the militant group Fitna-al-Khawarij during the discussions.

Defense Minister  Khawaja Asif  said in a message on  X ,  ceasefire agreement has been reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Terrorism from Afghanistan on Pakistani soil will stop immediately.

پاکستان اور افغانستان کے مابین سیز فائر کا معاہدہ طے پاگیا۔ پاکستان کی سرزمین پہ افغانستان سے دھشت گردی کا سلسلہ فی الفور بند ھوگا۔ دونوں ھمسایہ ملک ایک دوسرے کی سرزمین کا احترام کریں گے الحمدوللہ
25اکتوبر کو استنبول میں دوبارہ وفود میں ملاقات ھو گی۔ اور تفصیلی معاملات بات ھوگی۔… pic.twitter.com/OKNbRuXEPU

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) October 18, 2025

Asif further said, Both neighboring countries will respect each other’s territory, Alhamdulillah. The delegations will meet again in Istanbul on October 25. And detailed matters will be discussed. We are deeply grateful to both the brotherly countries of Qatar and Turkey.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar :