Ceasefire announced between Pakistan and Afghanistan; third country mediates peace

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following violent clashes this month, both countries have agreed to maintain a ceasefire. This agreement was reached during peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey, mediated by Turkey and Qatar. Turkey has officially confirmed this.

Prior to the talks, ceasefire negotiations between the two countries had failed, but at the Istanbul Peace Conference held between October 25 and 30, both sides agreed to reduce tensions and continue further talks.

A ceasefire agreement was reached.

According to a Reuters report, this was one of the most serious military confrontations between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. Pakistan carried out airstrikes in the clashes this month, to which Afghanistan responded with shelling. However, no new clashes have been reported from the border area in the past few days. Currently, both countries have closed key border crossings, leaving hundreds of trucks carrying goods and refugees stranded on both sides.

Violations will be punished.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry said that during the peace talks, all parties agreed to establish a Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, which will monitor adherence to the ceasefire and impose penalties on violating parties. The next meeting will be held in Istanbul on November 6 to decide on implementing this mechanism.

Turkey and Qatar have stated that they are ready to continue cooperation for lasting peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement confirming the conclusion of the talks and stating that the two countries have agreed to continue dialogue in future meetings .