Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to hold more talks in Qatar to build a peace framework. The discussions seek to end a week of deadly border clashes that killed dozens. Both governments accepted an immediate ceasefire after talks with Qatari mediators in Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed. The deal ended the most violent confrontation between the two nations in years, which injured hundreds more.
Both sides created plans to strengthen peace and stability through structured dialogue. They will meet again soon to maintain the truce and prevent future conflict, according to the Qatari statement. Turkish negotiators also played a role in securing the deal. Violence escalated early this month as both nations accused each other of cross-border aggression. Afghanistan rejected claims that it shelters militants who launch attacks in Pakistan’s frontier regions.
Escalation Along the Border
Pakistan has faced rising militant attacks along its western border since 2021, after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Ongoing clashes threaten to destabilise the region further as groups like Islamic State and al-Qaeda attempt to re-emerge.
Hours after a 48-hour truce expired on Friday, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Its forces targeted militants from the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. Islamabad claimed the strikes killed dozens of armed fighters without harming civilians. Officials said the assault followed a suicide bombing at a security compound in Mir Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a day earlier.
Taliban officials reported that the raids killed at least ten civilians, including women, children, and local cricket players participating in a nearby match. The national cricket board in Afghanistan responded by boycotting a scheduled tournament in Pakistan. The International Cricket Council expressed sorrow over the deaths of the three young Afghan players.
Deep-Rooted Border Tensions
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned Pakistan’s actions, calling them repeated crimes and violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He described the attacks as deliberate provocations designed to prolong the conflict. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, urged Afghanistan to choose mutual security over endless violence and to pursue progress instead of extremism.
Munir demanded that the Taliban control proxy groups using Afghan territory as safe havens. He delivered the statement during an address at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, while officials from both sides continued negotiations in Doha.
Afghanistan and Pakistan share a 2,600-kilometre frontier known as the Durand Line. Afghanistan has never recognised it, claiming it was forced upon them during British colonial rule. Kabul views the 1893 border as illegitimate because it divides Pashtun tribes living on both sides. Afghanistan instead recognises the 1947 boundary, which overlaps parts of Pakistan’s territory. This unresolved issue has triggered recurring clashes led by local militants seeking control and influence over disputed lands.
