Pakistan Afghanistan ceasefire extended
ISLAMABAD : Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 48 hours, pledging to maintain peace until the conclusion of ongoing talks in Doha aimed at easing cross-border tensions. According to a Reuters report, a Pakistani delegation is expected to take part in negotiations in Qatar’s capital to defuse the recent clashes and prevent further escalation between the two neighbouring countries.
However, security sources in Islamabad denied claims that the Pakistani delegation had already reached Doha, calling such reports “baseless.” They clarified that the team remains in Pakistan and will depart for Doha tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, sources quoted by Reuters confirmed that a delegation from the Afghan interim government will also arrive in Doha on Saturday to participate in the discussions.
The extension of the Pakistan Afghanistan ceasefire comes as both sides attempt to stabilize the volatile border region following deadly skirmishes earlier this month. Officials expressed optimism that the Doha talks would help pave the way for a long-term framework to prevent future hostilities and promote regional peace. The initial 48-hour ceasefire, which was due to expire at 6 p.m. today, will now remain in effect until the conclusion of the Doha negotiations.
The truce was originally brokered earlier this week after intense clashes along the Pak-Afghan border, during which Pakistani security forces repelled multiple cross-border attacks launched from Afghan territory. According to the Foreign Office, the ceasefire took effect at 6 p.m. and remained in force for two days, allowing both sides to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution. “The discussions will represent a sincere effort to find a positive path forward to resolve a complex but solvable issue,” the Foreign Office stated.
Pakistan’s military leadership has consistently emphasized its commitment to regional peace but warned against the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities targeting Pakistan. Security officials have reiterated that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its borders while pursuing diplomatic means to prevent further bloodshed.
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On the same day the ceasefire was extended, Pakistani forces reportedly repelled a series of cross-border assaults by the Afghan Taliban and Khawarij in the Spin Boldak area. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), militants carried out attacks at four different locations in the early hours of October 15, but Pakistani troops successfully countered the offensives. The ISPR said the attacks were launched from divided villages near the border, showing complete disregard for civilian safety and local populations. It further reported that the Afghan Taliban destroyed the Pak-Afghan Friendship Gate on their side, an act which officials said undermines efforts to strengthen trade and tribal cooperation between the two nations.
Diplomatic observers in Islamabad believe the extension of the ceasefire and the Doha talks signal cautious optimism for de-escalation, though challenges remain significant. Analysts note that while both sides have agreed to dialogue, deep mistrust persists, particularly regarding militant sanctuaries along the border. Yet, officials hope that the ongoing Pakistan Afghanistan ceasefire will open the door to a more sustainable peace arrangement and improved coordination between Islamabad and Kabul in the days ahead.
