Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree to Uphold Ceasefire After Istanbul Talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to maintain a fragile ceasefire following peace talks held in Istanbul, Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry announced Thursday. The renewed understanding comes just days after dialogue between the two neighboring countries broke down earlier in the week.

According to a joint statement released by Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry on behalf of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and mediators Turkiye and Qatar, both sides have committed to preventing further violence along their tense border. A follow-up meeting, described as a higher-level gathering, is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on November 6 to finalize the mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire.

“All parties have agreed to put in place a monitoring and verification mechanism that will ensure maintenance of peace and impose penalties on any party found violating the agreement,” the statement read.

The recent negotiations, facilitated by Turkiye with support from other friendly nations, aimed to ease escalating tensions after deadly border clashes earlier this month. Those clashes, which involved the exchange of heavy fire across the frontier, left dozens of soldiers, civilians, and militants dead on both sides.

Despite the earlier collapse of talks, officials noted that the ceasefire has largely held in recent days, with no new incidents of cross-border firing reported this week. However, several major border crossings remain closed, leaving hundreds of trucks loaded with goods and refugees stranded on either side of the border.

Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated Kabul’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully. “Just as the Islamic Emirate seeks good relations with other neighboring countries, it also desires positive ties with Pakistan and remains committed to relations based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and not posing a threat to any side,” Mujahid said in a statement.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, speaking to Geo News, said Islamabad agreed to give peace “another chance” at the request of Qatar and Turkiye. He added that Pakistan’s delegation, which was initially due to return home on Wednesday night, was asked to remain in Istanbul for extended discussions.

According to Pakistan’s state-run television, Islamabad emphasized during the talks that Afghanistan must take “clear, verifiable and effective action” against militant groups operating within its territory — a long-standing demand central to Pakistan’s security concerns.

The upcoming meeting in November is expected to determine concrete steps for implementing the ceasefire and restoring trade and civilian movement across the border. Both nations expressed cautious optimism that the Istanbul talks could pave the way toward lasting stability in their often strained relationship.