Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Ceasefire Following Mediation by Qatar and Turkey

A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan after diplomatic talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey. The announcement was made by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs following discussions held in Doha. The ceasefire follows recent clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which escalated after a Pakistani airstrike that reportedly killed several individuals, including three cricketers, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Pakistan claims that Afghanistan has been providing refuge to individuals responsible for orchestrating terrorist attacks within Pakistani territory. Despite both countries initially agreeing to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire, Pakistan reportedly carried out further airstrikes, targeting residential areas near the border. In the latest development, both sides have agreed to continue further talks in an effort to ensure the ceasefire remains stable and long-lasting.