Afghanistan and Pakistan Extend Border Ceasefire
Istanbul-based talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar have resulted in Afghanistan and Pakistan agreeing to extend the ceasefire originally brokered in Doha on October 19 2025. The extension comes amid talks aimed at creating a monitoring mechanism and scheduling a senior-officials meeting on November 6. The arrangement underlines both countries’ intention to refrain from hostile cross-border activity.
Context of Border Violence
The ceasefire comes after a sharp rise in border clashes between the two nations, involving heavy fire and air strikes—the worst in years. Pakistan had accused Afghanistan of harbouring militants from the Tehrik‑i‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and launching attacks from its soil, which Afghanistan denies. The extended truce aims to stabilise the situation and open channels for lasting diplomatic resolution.
Future Steps and Stakes
The agreement commits both sides to abide by non-interference, restore and respect each other’s territorial integrity, and set up a verification structure with third-party mediators. While the extension is a positive development, analysts caution that much depends on follow-through—especially in disarming militant networks and keeping administrations on both sides aligned. The upcoming meeting will be crucial for translating the truce into tangible peace.
