October 19, 2025

The tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have taken a hopeful turn, thanks to some serious diplomacy by Qatar and Turkey. After fresh violence erupted with Pakistani airstrikes killing at least 10 people, including three Afghan cricketers, both sides agreed on Saturday to an 'immediate ceasefire.' The ceasefire news came from a statement by Qatar's foreign affairs ministry, which said Afghanistan and Pakistan will also hold follow-up talks soon. These meetings aim to "ensure sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner, thus contributing to achieving security and stability in both countries." This is the second attempt at peace after a brief 48-hour truce brokered by Qatar. Delegations from both countries met in Doha to negotiate this new ceasefire, with Qatar highlighting that both sides "agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries." But peace is fragile. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have accused each other of breaking the earlier truce. Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Taliban government's prime minister, put the blame on Pakistan during a call with Malaysia's prime minister. He said, "Afghanistan is not in favour of war," and added that the fresh strikes were "initiated by the Pakistani side by violating Afghanistan's territory." The violence on Saturday was devastating: airstrikes by Pakistan hit three locations in Afghanistan's Paktika province, killing at least 10 civilians and injuring 12 more, including children. Among the dead were three players from Afghanistan's cricket team who had traveled there for a tournament. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed the heartbreaking news, and the International Cricket Council expressed deep sorrow for the loss of young talents Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullajh, and Haroon. Pakistani officials say their strikes were aimed at the Pakistani Taliban faction near the border, responding to attacks on their paramilitary forces along the Durand Line. The situation remains tense, but the new ceasefire and planned talks offer a glimmer of hope. Can Qatar and Turkey’s efforts help the two neighbors finally break the cycle of violence and build peace? Only time will tell.

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Tags: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ceasefire, Qatar, Turkey, Airstrikes, Taliban,