Pakistan confirmed on Friday that the ceasefire with Afghanistan remains intact following Kabul’s assurances, as both sides prepare for a new round of peace talks in Istanbul on November 6 under Turkish and Qatari mediation.
ISLAMABAD, October 31, 2025 — Pakistan on Friday confirmed that the fragile ceasefire with Afghanistan remains in effect after receiving “assurances” from the Afghan government, raising hopes of easing tensions that escalated following the region’s worst border clashes in years.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad had “taken note of assurances from the Afghan side” and expressed optimism for the next phase of dialogue. “The ceasefire holds, and we hope for a positive outcome in the upcoming talks,” he told reporters.
The two neighboring nations are set to meet again in Istanbul on November 6 for a new round of peace discussions, jointly mediated by Turkey and Qatar. The talks aim to reinforce the truce and establish a monitoring mechanism to identify and penalize violations, according to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry.
The recent escalation began after explosions in Kabul on October 9, which Taliban officials attributed to Pakistan. The ensuing violence claimed more than 70 lives and left hundreds wounded before diplomatic intervention helped restore calm.
Pakistan’s Position: ‘Attacks Must Stop from Afghan Soil’
Officials in Islamabad have reiterated that their foremost demand is an end to cross-border attacks by militants operating from Afghanistan. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking to state television, stressed that Pakistan’s expectations were clear:
“Our inflexible demand is that attacks from Afghan soil must stop, and that the Taliban authorities in Kabul cease providing shelter to the Fitna Al Khwarij (Indian-sponsored militant group).”
Pakistan has long accused the Fitna Al Khwarij of using Afghan territory as a base for staging assaults inside Pakistan. The Taliban government in Kabul, however, continues to deny the charge, asserting its commitment to non-interference and peaceful neighborly ties.
Afghan Response: ‘We Seek Good Relations’
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that both sides had agreed to continue dialogue. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “The Islamic Emirate seeks good relations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan, based on mutual respect and non-interference.”
Trade and Human Impact
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been closed for over two weeks, crippling trade and livelihoods for thousands of traders. Local business owners on both sides of the Chaman Spin Boldak crossing have reported heavy financial losses.
In Kandahar, Afghan trader Nazir Ahmed said both countries were suffering economically. “Our nation is tired, and their nation is also tired,” he told AFP. Similarly, Pakistani merchant Abdul Jabbar in Chaman noted that “both countries face losses both are Islamic nations.”
According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the recent violence killed at least 50 Afghan civilians and injured over 400, while Pakistan’s military confirmed the loss of 23 personnel and 29 wounded.
Looking Ahead: Istanbul Talks Offer Hope
The upcoming Istanbul talks are seen as a pivotal moment for both countries to reset strained relations and prevent further instability along their 2,600 kilometre shared border.
Diplomats say the mediation led by Turkey and Qatar underscores growing international concern over regional stability and cross-border militancy.
While tensions remain high, both Islamabad and Kabul appear to recognize that continued hostility benefits neither side a sentiment reflected in growing public fatigue and economic pain.
“Peace is in our mutual interest,” Andrabi said. “Pakistan hopes the next round in Istanbul will help both sides move toward a durable and verifiable understanding.”
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