Istanbul, 31 Oct 2025 (Anadolu)

Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed Thursday to maintain a ceasefire during talks via the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar. A statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry said meetings were held Oct. 25 - 30 in Istanbul, with the attendance of Türkiye, Qatar, Afghanistan and Pakistan to strengthen a ceasefire agreed on in Doha earlier this month under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar.

The statement noted that the parties reached a consensus on the continuation of the ceasefire. It said additional principles for implementation will be discussed and finalized during a high-level meeting to be held Nov. 6 in Istanbul.

It also stated that the parties agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure the maintenance of peace and impose penalties on any side that violates the agreement.

Türkiye and Qatar expressed appreciation for the constructive contributions made by Afghanistan and Pakistan to the process. They reaffirmed their readiness to continue supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.

The 48-hour ceasefire announced Oct. 15 following border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan had been extended until the conclusion of the Doha talks, with the support of Türkiye and Qatar.

Pakistan urges Afghan authorities to act against terrorist sanctuaries

Foreign Office spokesman, Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi on Friday said, “Pakistan does not seek escalation, but expects the Afghan authorities to take concrete and verifiable action against terrorist entities such as Fitna al-Khwaraj and Fitna al-Hindustan operating from Afghan territory.

Emphasizing Pakistan’s restraint and constructive approach, at his weekly media briefing on the ongoing dialogue with the Afghan Taliban regime, the spokesman said Pakistan had consistently called for practical steps to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan. He reiterated that while Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and stability, it will “respond resolutely to any continued provocation.”

Ambassador Andrabi briefed the media on the recent second round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks held in Istanbul (October 25–29), facilitated by brotherly countries. “Pakistan participated in good faith and with a positive spirit,” he said, noting that the dialogue, originally scheduled for two days, was extended to four in pursuit of an amicable resolution.

He added that Pakistan appreciates the mediating role of Qatar and Türkiye and remains engaged in efforts to achieve peaceful outcomes at the next round of talks on November 6.