ISLAMABAD — Pakistan and Afghanistan reached an agreement on Sunday for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, following high-stakes negotiations in Doha mediated by Qatar and Turkiye. The agreement aims to end weeks of cross-border clashes and establish mechanisms for long-term peace and stability.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on X (formerly Twitter) that both nations will respect each other’s territories and stop cross-border terrorist attacks. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called the deal “a first step in the right direction,” urging swift implementation of verification mechanisms.
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
According to a statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, both sides agreed to halt hostilities and form joint mechanisms to address security concerns.
Welcome the Agreement finalized late last night in Doha. It is the first step in the right direction.
Deeply appreciate the constructive role played by brotherly Qatar and Turkiye.
We look forward to the establishment of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism, in the…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) October 19, 2025
The talks, attended by senior defence and intelligence officials from both countries, were prompted by deadly border clashes earlier this month that killed dozens, including civilians and security personnel.
Press Release
Negotiations between representatives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, held in Qatar, have concluded with the signing of a bilateral agreement.
1/5— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) October 19, 2025
Pakistan’s delegation was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, alongside National Security Adviser and ISI Chief Lt Gen Asim Malik, while Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid and intelligence chief Maulvi Abdul Haq Wasiq represented Kabul.
وضاحت :
د توافق نامې په اړه څرګندونې مشترکه اعلامیه نه ده، په دې څرګندونو کې دا جمله ( او نه به د هغو ګروپونو د بریدونو ملاتړ کیږي چې د پاکستاني حکومت خلاف دي ) د اسلامي امارت همیشنی دریځ دی چې د افغانستان خاوره د بل کوم هېواد په وړاندې د کارولو اجازه نه ورکوي،
۲/۱— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) October 19, 2025
Turkiye’s involvement, previously undisclosed, added a significant diplomatic dimension. Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin attended the talks, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally monitoring the discussions.
Statement | Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to an Immediate Ceasefire During a Round of Negotiations in Doha#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/fPXvn6GaU6
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 18, 2025
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, where technical committees are expected to finalise a monitoring framework to ensure compliance with the ceasefire and address Pakistan’s concerns over TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
Read More: Doha Talks End with Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Agreement
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that both sides had agreed not to support any groups conducting attacks against the other. However, he clarified that the statements were not a joint declaration, and the Taliban’s position on not allowing Afghan soil to be used against other countries remains unchanged.
While the agreement has been welcomed as a breakthrough, analysts warn that previous ceasefires were not effectively enforced, raising questions about long-term sustainability.