Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Extended Amidst Border Tensions

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to extend a ceasefire following severe border clashes, as per diplomatic sources on Thursday. The discussions, which took place in Istanbul and were mediated by Turkey and Qatar, sought to defuse the worst border confrontations between the two nations in years.

The ceasefire, initiated on October 19, was extended after both countries experienced violent engagements, marking the most intense military conflict since the Taliban's ascension in Kabul in 2021. The conflict led to Pakistani airstrikes, Afghan counterattacks, and the temporary closure of key trade routes.

To ensure continued peace, all parties agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism, with a meeting set for November 6 in Istanbul to discuss implementation details. Despite no immediate comment from Pakistan, Afghanistan reiterated its hope for respectful and non-interfering relations with its neighbor.