In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following high-stakes talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha. The agreement, announced early Sunday by Qatar’s foreign ministry, comes after a week of escalating cross-border violence that claimed dozens of lives on both sides. The clashes began on October 11, shortly after explosions rocked Kabul during a visit by the Taliban’s foreign minister to India, Pakistan’s regional rival. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Kabul denied these allegations. The ceasefire aims to halt the bloodshed and establish mechanisms for lasting peace and stability. Both nations have committed to follow-up meetings to ensure the ceasefire’s sustainability and verify its implementation. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement and announced that the next round of talks will take place in Istanbul on October 25. He emphasized that terrorism originating from Afghan soil would cease, and both countries would respect each other’s sovereignty. The Afghan delegation, led by defence chief Mohammad Yaqoob, and Pakistan’s delegation, including intelligence chief General Asim Malik, participated in the talks. Despite the agreement, local officials in Afghanistan’s Paktika province reported that 10 civilians, including two children, were killed in Pakistani air strikes prior to the ceasefire. While the situation has begun to normalize, lingering fears of renewed violence remain among the affected populations.