Istanbul, 31 October (H.S.): Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend a ceasefire following days of talks in Istanbul, a significant diplomatic step mediated by Turkey and Qatar after the most severe border clashes between the neighboring countries in years. The agreement was reached on Thursday, bringing a temporary halt to a conflict that had escalated dramatically.

The recent confrontations, the most serious since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, included deadly clashes this month that led to Pakistani airstrikes within Afghanistan. Afghan forces retaliated with their own fire, and the escalating tensions resulted in the closure of crucial border crossings essential for trade and transit.

According to a statement from Turkey's Foreign Ministry, the talks, which took place from October 25 to October 30, concluded with all parties consenting to the implementation of a monitoring and verification mechanism. This mechanism is designed to ensure peace is maintained and will include penalties for any party that violates the terms of the ceasefire.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled to be held in Istanbul on November 6 to determine the specifics of how this monitoring system will be put into action. Both Turkey and Qatar have expressed their readiness to continue their cooperative efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

Confirming the outcome of the discussions, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that both sides had agreed to continue their dialogue in future meetings. He emphasized that Afghanistan is seeking to establish good relations with Pakistan, founded on principles of mutual respect and non-interference.

The conflict erupted after Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan, targeting militants from the Pakistani Taliban who, according to Islamabad, are based there and are responsible for attacks against its security forces.

The government in Kabul condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and has denied providing shelter to the militant group. The extensive, 2,600-kilometer border has long been a point of contention between the two nations, marked by frequent skirmishes and mutual accusations regarding militant sanctuaries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar