Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to continue the ceasefire following a week-long round of talks in Istanbul, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced in a joint statement on Thursday night.
The negotiations, held under the mediation of Turkiye and Qatar, aimed to strengthen the ceasefire initially reached in Doha earlier this month.
According to the joint declaration, both sides have also agreed to establish a joint monitoring and verification system to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire. "This system will ensure the continuity of peace," according to the joint statement.
Fines to be imposed for violations
The new monitoring system will oversee compliance by all parties, and any violation of the agreement will result in a fine being imposed on the responsible side, the statement said. The rules and mechanisms for enforcing the ceasefire will be finalized in the next round of talks scheduled for November 6 in Istanbul.
Also Read: Afghan govt responsible for failed talks: Khawaja Asif
The negotiations, held between October 25 and 30, were aimed at solidifying the Doha ceasefire understanding reached on October 18 and 19. Both Turkiye and Qatar — acting as mediators — appreciated the constructive engagement of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and reaffirmed their commitment to support regional peace and stability.
Turkiye, Qatar praise positive outcome
In their joint statement, the mediator countries lauded the “positive and responsible approach” of both delegations and emphasized that they would continue cooperation for sustainable peace in the region.
A separate statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry also reiterated its appreciation for the progress made and expressed hope that the November 6 meeting would finalize the framework for long-term stability.
Also Read: Will strike even inside Afghanistan if terrorism continues: Asif warns
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked its brotherly country of Turkiye for hosting the meeting and playing an active role in strengthening the ceasefire through diplomatic channels.
Pakistan says joint declaration supports its position
Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar welcomed the joint declaration, saying it supports Pakistan’s stance and places the responsibility of preventing terrorism on the Afghan Taliban.
“The situation will be monitored until November 6,” Tarar said in an interview with Samaa TV. “If any terrorist activity takes place during this period, the Taliban will be held accountable.”
Also Read: Pakistan doesn’t need full arsenal to obliterate Taliban regime, warns Asif
He confirmed that Pakistan had sought a guarantee from the Taliban regime that Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan, adding that both Turkiye and Qatar deserve appreciation for their active role as mediators in the talks.
