Qatar Brokers Immediate Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire After Border Strikes

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The truce was announced by Qatar on Saturday. It follows a new wave of airstrikes and border clashes.

Qatar and Turkey mediated the deal to halt the violence. This is the second ceasefire attempt in recent days.

Details of the Fragile Truce Agreement

The Qatari foreign ministry confirmed the agreement. According to their official statement, both sides will hold follow-up meetings. These talks aim to ensure the ceasefire holds.

The previous 48-hour truce broke down quickly. Fresh Pakistani airstrikes hit Afghanistan on Saturday. At least ten people were killed in these attacks.

Human Cost and International Reaction

The recent violence had a significant human cost. Among the dead were three aspiring Afghan cricketers. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed their deaths.

The International Cricket Council mourned the players’ deaths. A provincial hospital official told Reuters that civilians were among the casualties. The situation remains tense along the border.

This new Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire represents a critical step toward de-escalation. The international community watches closely to see if this truce will last. Sustained peace will require continued diplomatic effort from all sides.

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Who brokered the Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire?

Qatar and Turkey mediated the agreement. The Qatari foreign ministry issued the official announcement confirming the immediate truce.

What triggered the latest round of violence?

Pakistan launched airstrikes it said targeted the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Afghanistan stated the strikes killed civilians and violated its territory.

Were there any notable casualties reported?

Yes, at least ten people were killed. This included three Afghan cricketers, as confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

What is the main goal of the follow-up meetings?

The meetings aim to verify the ceasefire’s implementation. Their goal is to build a sustainable and lasting peace between the two nations.

Has there been a ceasefire before this?

Yes, a 48-hour truce was brokered earlier. It collapsed, leading to the fresh strikes that prompted this new agreement.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse