Doha, October 19 (IANS) – Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached an immediate ceasefire agreement following over a week of fierce fighting that resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry. The statement indicated that both countries will work on mechanisms to ensure lasting peace and stability, with further discussions planned in the coming days to maintain the ceasefire.
Delegations from both nations convened in Doha for negotiations facilitated by Qatar and Turkey. The dialogue was spearheaded by their respective defense ministers, where Pakistan emphasized the need for “immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace along the border.”
The conflict escalated last week when Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Kabul. Both nations have exchanged accusations of aggression. Pakistan has repeatedly asserted that militant groups are launching attacks from Afghan soil, while Afghanistan categorically denies harboring elements responsible for cross-border violence.
Tragically, on October 18, three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that the players were traveling from Urgun to Sharana, near the border, for a friendly match. The deceased have been identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, and five other civilians also lost their lives in the incident.
In light of this tragic event, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series featuring Pakistan, scheduled for late November, as a mark of respect for the victims. The board stated, “In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan.”
Previously, a 48-hour temporary truce was brokered to alleviate tensions, but it expired on Friday evening. Hours later, Pakistan resumed airstrikes, reigniting violence until the recent ceasefire agreement was established.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/after-days-of-deadly-conflict-afghanistan-and-pakistan-agree-to-ceasefire
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Publish Date: 2025-10-19 11:09:00
