Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ceasefire; next round of talks to be held in Istanbul

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement on an immediate ceasefire following talks held in Doha, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced early Sunday.

In a statement on X, the minister said, “Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement on a ceasefire.” He added that, “terrorist activities from Afghan soil on Pakistan will come to an immediate halt.”

He said, “both neighbouring countries have agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity.” “Delegations from the two sides will meet again on October 25 in Istanbul for detailed discussions. We are deeply grateful to our brotherly countries, Qatar and Turkiye, for their sincere efforts in facilitating the dialogue.”

پاکستان اور افغانستان کے مابین سیز فائر کا معاہدہ طے پاگیا۔ پاکستان کی سرزمین پہ افغانستان سے دھشت گردی کا سلسلہ فی الفور بند ھوگا۔ دونوں ھمسایہ ملک ایک دوسرے کی سرزمین کا احترام کریں گے الحمدوللہ
25اکتوبر کو استنبول میں دوبارہ وفود میں ملاقات ھو گی۔ اور تفصیلی معاملات بات ھوگی۔… pic.twitter.com/OKNbRuXEPU

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) October 18, 2025

In a statement, Qatar's foreign ministry also confirmed that the ceasefire was agreed upon during negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkey on Saturday.

Both sides also agreed to hold further meetings in the coming days to “ensure the continuity of the ceasefire and monitor its implementation in a credible and lasting way,” the statement added.

Statement | Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to an Immediate Ceasefire During a Round of Negotiations in Doha#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/fPXvn6GaU6

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 18, 2025

"During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the countries," read the statement.

"The two parties also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner, thus contributing to achieving security and stability in both countries."