Islamabad: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire following high-level peace talks held in Istanbul, marking a significant step toward easing weeks of deadly border tensions. The truce, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, aims to halt hostilities and rebuild diplomatic trust between the two neighboring countries.

Officials from both sides confirmed that the ceasefire would remain in effect until the next round of discussions, scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul. During that meeting, representatives will finalize a detailed monitoring and verification framework to ensure compliance and accountability for any future violations.

The agreement comes after weeks of escalating violence along the border, including cross-border shelling and airstrikes that resulted in dozens of casualties and displaced hundreds of civilians. The recent clashes were described as the most intense since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of allowing militant groups, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to use Afghan soil as a base for attacks. Kabul has denied these allegations, insisting that it does not permit its territory to be used against any nation. Afghan officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining peaceful relations based on mutual respect and non-interference.

Despite the truce, major trade routes between the two countries remain closed, disrupting the movement of goods and people and putting additional strain on local economies. Both governments have acknowledged the need to reopen crossings soon to ease economic pressure on border communities.

International observers have welcomed the agreement, calling it a hopeful step toward regional stability. However, analysts warn that the peace remains fragile, with deep-rooted mistrust and unresolved security concerns on both sides.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister recently cautioned that if the upcoming talks fail or if militant attacks continue, his country would be prepared to respond militarily, describing the situation as being “one step away from open war.”

For now, the ceasefire offers a moment of calm in a region long plagued by violence and suspicion. The outcome of the November 6 meeting will likely determine whether this fragile peace becomes a foundation for lasting cooperation or another brief pause in a cycle of conflict.