KARACHI: The recently concluded ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been hailed by diplomats, analysts, and security experts as a major step toward de-escalating tensions and promoting regional stability after several days of deadly cross-border clashes.
The truce, finalized late Wednesday in Doha with mediation by Qatar and Türkiye, followed intense hostilities triggered by unprovoked attacks from the Afghan side. It has been described as a constructive development with the potential to pave the way for long-term peace and a verifiable mechanism to curb terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil.
Former Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq lauded the agreement as “a positive move in the right direction,” urging both countries to consolidate the truce to prevent further loss of life. He credited the mediatory role of Qatar and Türkiye in facilitating dialogue at a critical juncture.
Adnan Sarwar Khan, a foreign affairs expert, emphasized that the ceasefire should be followed by decisive action from the Taliban government against groups like the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Fitnaul Khawarij, which have used Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan.
The ceasefire was reached after a Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, met with an Afghan team headed by Acting Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob. Both sides agreed to respect each other’s territorial sovereignty, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul.
Security officials said Pakistan had responded to recent attacks with targeted airstrikes and ground operations, killing over 200 militants and dismantling several terrorist camps in Afghanistan.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, also delivered a strong message during a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul, calling on the Afghan people to “choose peace over violence” and warning that “every state proxy of our neighbour will be raised to dust.”
Security analyst Brigadier (Retd) Mehmood Shah accused the Taliban regime of enabling terrorist groups in violation of the Doha Peace Accord and warned that Pakistan would not tolerate further attacks.
Professor Dr. Zahid Anwar of the University of Peshawar highlighted the security threat posed by the $7.2 billion worth of U.S. military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, now in the hands of militants. He called on the Taliban to disarm these groups and restore control over the weapons.
Experts agreed that the ceasefire could ease immediate tensions, build trust, and lay the groundwork for broader peace initiatives, provided Kabul acts decisively against militant groups. They also urged the international community to ensure compliance with international agreements to secure long-term stability in the region.
