Afghanistan and Pakistan pledge to respect ceasefire
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to observe a ceasefire following over a week of deadly clashes that resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. The truce was mediated by Qatar and Turkey and took effect promptly to halt hostilities between the neighboring countries. Both sides committed to refraining from hostile actions, supporting armed groups targeting each other, or attacking security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure. A mechanism will be established to review claims and ensure compliance with the agreement. The ceasefire discussions, held in Doha, lasted 13 hours, and a follow-up meeting is planned in Istanbul. The conflict has severely disrupted daily life along their disputed 1,622-mile border, known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never officially recognized. The fighting has forced many residents to flee and caused meaningful border closures, affecting refugee movements and trade. Both governments expressed gratitude to Qatar and Turkey for facilitating the ceasefire talks.
Afghanistan and Pakistan pledge to respect ceasefire after more than a week of deadly fighting
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Afghanistan and Pakistan, embroiled in fighting that has killed dozens of people and injured hundreds, pledged on Sunday to respect a ceasefire.
The truce, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came into effect immediately and is intended to pause hostilities.
Violence has escalated between the neighbors since earlier this month, with each country saying they were responding to aggression from the other. Afghanistan denies harboring militants who carry out attacks in border areas.
REPUBLICANS ARE PUSHING THESE FIVE DEMOCRATS TO FLIP ON FUNDING BILL
Pakistan is grappling with militancy that has surged since 2021, when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and returned to power.
The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, gave a positive response to the outcome of the talks that took place in the Qatari capital, Doha, a day earlier. He said both countries had signed a bilateral agreement.
“It has been decided that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan. Both sides will refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians or critical infrastructure.”
A mechanism would be established in the future, “under the mediation of intermediary countries,” to review bilateral claims and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement.
POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON THE RISE IN THE US: A TIMELINE OF KEY INCIDENTS
Later, during an online news conference, Defense Minister Muhammad Yaqoob told journalists that the Doha talks lasted 13 hours.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif posted confirmation of the deal on X.
“Cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease immediately,” Asif wrote. “Both countries will respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. A follow-up meeting between the delegations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss the matters in detail.”
Top officials from both countries thanked Qatar and Turkey for their role in facilitating the talks that led to the ceasefire.
The fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has severely disrupted people’s lives. The two countries share a 1,622-mile border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never recognized. They have just two main trade routes.
ISRAEL STRIKES TARGETS IN GAZA AFTER CLAIMING HAMAS VIOLATED CEASEFIRE
Worsening security has forced locals to leave their homes and also left thousands of people and vehicles stranded for a week at border points.
The Chaman crossing in southwest Pakistan is only open for Afghan refugees to leave as part of a nationwide crackdown on foreigners living in Pakistan illegally. Entry from Afghanistan, including trade and pedestrian movement, remains suspended.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
