Pakistan and Afghanistan Extend Fragile Ceasefire as Doha Peace Talks Loom

The temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration has been extended beyond its initial 48 hour period to facilitate high level peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar. The original truce, which took effect at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 15, was agreed upon following days of the deadliest cross border clashes in years, involving ground fighting and Pakistani air strikes. The extension marks a crucial step toward de-escalation, although the underlying issues of cross border terrorism and border management remain deeply contentious.

A senior diplomatic source confirmed on Friday that the ceasefire has been prolonged until the conclusion of the scheduled talks in the Qatari capital. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had earlier stated in a press briefing that both sides were making "sincere efforts to find a positive resolution to this complex but solvable issue through constructive dialogue." This official statement underscored Pakistan's readiness for dialogue and diplomacy while maintaining its readiness to take all necessary measures to safeguard its interests.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the federal cabinet, stated that Pakistan remains ready for talks only on "legitimate and mutually respectful conditions." The Premier acknowledged that the initial 48 hour ceasefire was agreed upon at Afghanistan's request but warned that Islamabad would not accept a truce "done just to buy time." He stressed that the onus is now on the Afghan authorities to demonstrate seriousness by addressing Pakistan's core security demands, primarily the elimination of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates from Afghan soil. "The ball is in their court," Prime Minister Sharif declared.

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, further articulated Pakistan's position, stating that Islamabad expects the Taliban administration to "honor its commitment of not allowing its territory to be used for terrorism against other countries and play its due role in achieving peace and stability in the region." Both Pakistani and Afghan delegations are reportedly preparing for the talks in Doha, with a Pakistani delegation already having arrived and the Afghan side expected soon, aiming for a permanent political solution to the recent spike in tensions.

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