ISLAMABAD, October 18, 2025 — A senior diplomatic source confirmed to Dawn.com on Friday that the interim ceasefire agreed to between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been extended after heavy clashes along the border at the start of October.
“The Pakistani delegation has already arrived in Doha and the Afghan team is expected to arrive there on Saturday for high-level peace talks in Qatar. Under conditions agreed to by both sides, the ceasefire commenced two days ago at the request of the Afghanistan side for 48 hours, which was to expire on Friday evening.”, said the source. However, the ceasefire would continue until the talks conclude.
“The temporary ceasefire was extended at the request of the Afghan Taliban government,” the source said, adding that high-level discussions are expected to begin soon.
The extension follows deadly skirmishes that began Aug. 11, after Afghan forces allegedly conducted unprovoked attacks against Pakistani border posts. Resulting in 23 Pakistani troops martyred and 200 insurgents killed. In retaliation, the Pakistan military conducted “precision strikes” in Kandahar and Kabul inciting tensions in the region.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed earlier in the day that efforts were being made by both countries to discuss. What it termed as “complex but solvable issues” sincerely.
“Pakistan greatly values diplomacy and a mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan,” said FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, noting that the government would continue to safeguard its territory and citizens while pursuing peace.
Khan reiterated Pakistan’s ambition of a “peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan”. Stressing that Kabul has to meet its obligations under the Doha Process and not allow terrorist groups to use its soil.
He referred to Pakistan’s repeated concerns regarding. The presence of “Fitna al Khawarij” (referring to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants). And “Fitna al Hindustan” (referring to Balochistan-based groups that are allegedly supported by India).
“Pakistan expects concrete and verifiable actions against these terrorist elements by the Taliban regime,” Khan said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s willingness for talks if Afghanistan agrees to comply with the just terms set out by Islamabad. “The ball is in their court,” he said in a recent cabinet meeting.
After Kabul accused Pakistan of attacking a civilian market in Paktika province, and invading its airspace, tensions boiled over. Islamabad refused to confirm or refute strikes in Kabul. But insisted its counter-terrorism operations were conducted in self-defense against armed groups attacking from Afghan territory.
The clashes and returned diplomacy mark a significant border crisis since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Analysts believe that the Doha discussions could determine the trajectory of both countries. Relationships as well as regional stability in South Asia.
[…] Pakistan and Afghanistan Extend Ceasefire Amid Border Tensions […]