Islamabad/Kabul: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to continue the existing ceasefire, following recent negotiations held in Istanbul, Turkey. A joint statement issued after the talks said that the rules and mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire will be finalized in the next round of discussions, set to take place on November 6 in Istanbul.
According to the statement, both sides also agreed to establish a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure compliance with the ceasefire. The mechanism will have the authority to impose penalties on any party found responsible for violations.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s government, described the Istanbul talks as “a complex but positive process,” adding that both sides had agreed to meet again to discuss unresolved issues.
“In line with the Islamic Emirate’s principled position that issues should be resolved through diplomacy and understanding, we engaged in several days of dialogue in Istanbul with the Pakistani side under the mediation of the brotherly nations of Turkey and Qatar,” Mujahid stated.
He added that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks positive relations with Pakistan, similar to other neighboring countries, based on principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and ensuring that neither side poses a threat to the other.
Pakistan’s Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed that during the Istanbul negotiations, both parties agreed that any violation of the ceasefire would result in punishment or sanctions for the offending side.
He noted that Afghanistan’s government bears a major responsibility for maintaining peace and eliminating terrorism, and that a joint verification system has been established for this purpose.
“Any party violating the ceasefire will not only face penalties but will also be required to take clear and effective action against militant groups,” Tarar added.
He further stated that both sides will meet again on November 6 to finalize the implementation procedures and monitoring framework.
The talks, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, are part of ongoing efforts to promote regional stability and ease border tensions. Observers believe that effective implementation of the agreed ceasefire could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
