Afghanistan, Pakistan extend ceasefire after Türkiye-Qatar mediation
Both sides had committed to monitoring mechanism and continue truce
ISTANBUL (MNTV) — Officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan have confirmed that they will extend the ceasefire, following mediation by Türkiye and Qatar in talks held in Istanbul and Doha.
A joint statement issued by Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday noted the consensus had been reached among the parties to uphold the earlier truce and to establish a formal mechanism for oversight and verification.
The ceasefire extension follows a preliminary agreement brokered in Doha on 19 October, where both sides pledged to halt hostilities and work toward sustainable peace.
The agreement was facilitated by Türkiye and Qatar. The statement added that detailed implementation principles will be finalized at a high-level meeting scheduled for 6 November in Istanbul.
Among the measures agreed is creation of a monitoring and verification body tasked with ensuring adherence to the ceasefire and imposing penalties for violations, the statement said.
Türkiye and Qatar expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement of Afghanistan and Pakistan in the mediation process.
The arrangement builds upon earlier moves: on 17 October Pakistan and Afghanistan extended a 48-hour truce while preparing for Doha talks, after several days of intense border clashes.
According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the conflict had seen at least 18 people killed and more than 360 wounded in Afghanistan alone.
Despite the truce, fresh violence occurred. Pakistan’s military reported that armed individuals attempted to infiltrate border areas from Afghanistan, prompting clashes that left five Pakistani soldiers and 25 militants dead.
These incidents underscored Islamabad’s concern that militant groups operating from Afghan territory continue to threaten Pakistan’s security, say Pakistani officials.
The diplomacy now focuses on resolving the core issue raised by Pakistan that Afghanistan must take decisive action against the Tehrik‑e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups which Islamabad says launch attacks from Afghan soil.
While the Doha truce marked a diplomatic breakthrough, the second round of negotiations in Istanbul appeared to reach an impasse.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the talks “failed to bring about any workable solution,” citing Afghan deviation from Pakistan’s key demands.
Analysts caution that unless structural mechanisms are put in place — such as intelligence-sharing, joint border patrols and clear consequences for violations — the ceasefire may not hold.
The upcoming high-level meeting on 6 November will thus be closely watched for signs of concrete commitments.
Observers say the risk remains high that the fragile truce could unravel if Pakistan believes militant attacks continue unchecked or if negotiations stall again. The parties face mounting pressure to translate diplomatic accords into operational realities on the border.
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