Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached an agreement on a ceasefire following days of intense border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured along the frontier separating the two nations.
The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came into immediate effect on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
Tensions between the two neighboring countries have been escalating since early October, with each side accusing the other of provocations and cross-border attacks. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants who allegedly carry out assaults on Pakistani security forces, an accusation denied by Kabul.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid welcomed the development, calling the Doha-brokered deal “a positive step”. Representatives from both countries signed a bilateral agreement aimed at halting hostilities immediately.
Pakistan has been grappling with a surge in militancy since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, a development that has significantly worsened security conditions in its border regions.
