Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to resume talks in Qatar to set terms for lasting peace. The discussions aim to end a week of deadly border clashes that killed dozens. Both nations accepted an immediate ceasefire after meeting Qatari mediators in Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed. The new deal ends the deadliest confrontation between the neighbours in years, which left hundreds injured.
The two governments pledged to create mechanisms ensuring long-term peace and stability. They plan to hold additional meetings soon to guarantee the ceasefire’s durability. Turkish negotiators also helped broker the agreement, according to the Qatari statement.
Rising Tensions Along the Frontier
Violence intensified earlier this month, with both sides claiming retaliation for attacks. Afghan officials rejected Pakistan’s claims that they shelter militants behind recent assaults in border zones. Pakistan continues to face a surge in militancy in its western frontier since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Fighting threatens to destabilise the region further, where Islamic State and al-Qaeda seek resurgence. After a 48-hour truce expired on Friday, Pakistan launched airstrikes across the border in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The attacks targeted Hafiz Gul Bahadur group fighters and, according to Islamabad, killed dozens of militants without civilian casualties. Officials said the operation responded to a suicide bombing at a security compound in Mir Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the previous day.
Afghan authorities, however, reported at least ten civilian deaths, including women, children, and local cricket players near the strike sites. The tragedy led Afghanistan’s cricket board to boycott an upcoming tournament in Pakistan. The International Cricket Council expressed sorrow over the loss of “three young and promising Afghan players.”
Deep Historical Divisions
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned Pakistan’s “repeated crimes” and accused its forces of violating Afghan sovereignty. He called the strikes deliberate provocations meant to prolong conflict. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, urged Afghans to prioritise “mutual security over perpetual violence” and “progress over hardline obscurantism.” He demanded that the Taliban restrain proxy groups based in Afghanistan.
Delegations from both nations met in Doha to advance peace negotiations. The two countries share the 2,600-kilometre Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognised. Kabul insists that the British-imposed 1893 border divided Pashtun tribes living across both sides. Afghan officials instead acknowledge the 1947 boundaries, which dispute large sections of Pakistani territory. These border disagreements have repeatedly fueled skirmishes and militant-led clashes over control and influence.
