Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes live updates: Both countries agree to immediate ceasefire, says Qatar

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The agreement was announced on Sunday following high-stakes talks in Doha, Qatar. This development comes after days of intense cross-border fighting and deadly airstrikes.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the truce. It stated that both sides agreed to establish mechanisms for lasting peace. This diplomatic breakthrough aims to end the worst violence since the Taliban took power in 2021.

Ceasefire Follows Deadly Airstrikes and Cricket Team Withdrawal

The Doha negotiations were urgently needed. According to Reuters, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Afghan territory last Friday. Taliban officials reported at least 10 people were killed in the Paktika province strikes.

Tragically, three local Afghan cricketers were among the dead. The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated the players were killed after returning from a friendly match. In response, Afghanistan withdrew from a scheduled T20 tri-series involving Pakistan.

Broader Regional Impact and Diplomatic Maneuvering

The clashes have drawn international concern. Iran offered to help mediate, warning the tensions threaten regional stability. The United States also monitored the situation closely as violence escalated.

The Afghan delegation was led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob. Pakistan’s team was headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Both sides acknowledged the need to prevent further escalation along their shared border.

The immediate Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire provides crucial relief to border communities. This diplomatic success in Doha demonstrates that dialogue can prevail over conflict. Both nations now face the challenging task of building lasting peace mechanisms.

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What triggered the recent Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes?

The conflict escalated after cross-border skirmishes. Pakistan cited security concerns from militant groups operating from Afghan soil. This led to a series of airstrikes and artillery exchanges.

Why did Afghanistan withdraw from the cricket series?

Afghanistan withdrew after three local cricketers died in the airstrikes. The Afghanistan Cricket Board called it a principled decision following the tragic loss of their players and fellow citizens.

How many casualties resulted from the recent fighting?

Dozens were killed and hundreds were wounded in the border clashes. Taliban officials confirmed at least 10 deaths from Friday’s airstrikes alone, though total figures are likely higher.

What does the ceasefire agreement include?

The agreement includes an immediate cessation of hostilities. Both sides also committed to establishing mechanisms for lasting peace and stability along their shared border.

Who mediated the peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Qatar hosted and mediated the negotiations in Doha. The Qatari government has previously facilitated talks between various parties in the region.