Afghanistan and Pakistan formalise ceasefire prioritising dialogue, civilian protection, and regional stability; India upgrades Kabul mission and the Islamic Emirate seeks constructive engagement with global partners….reports Asian Lite News
Afghanistan has formally clarified its recent ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, underlining that the accord prioritises dialogue, civilian safety, and mutual respect. The Ministry of National Defence of Afghanistan stated that the agreement ensures a complete cessation of hostilities, prohibits attacks on each other’s security forces and civilians, and prevents any support for groups targeting the other country.
The clarification follows an earlier announcement by Afghanistan’s spokesperson that a comprehensive ceasefire had been mutually agreed upon between Pakistan and Afghanistan during talks held in Qatar. Both sides credited Qatar and Turkiye for playing an “instrumental role” in facilitating the negotiations. The Afghan Ministry of National Defence emphasised that “the agreement completely emphasises ceasefire, mutual respect, avoidance of attacks on each other’s security forces, civilians, and facilities, resolution of all matters through dialogue, and not facilitating attacks against one another. Any statements beyond these terms are invalid.”
Under the ceasefire, neither country will undertake hostile actions against the other, nor support groups that carry out attacks against the government of Pakistan. Both nations have committed to resolving disputes peacefully, refraining from targeting critical infrastructure or civilians. For effective implementation, the two countries will establish a joint mechanism, mediated by third-party nations, to review bilateral claims and monitor compliance.
The agreement follows deadly clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. On October 18, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in southeastern Paktika province, killing 17 people, including three Afghan cricketers. The strikes targeted residential areas in Argun and Barmal districts, causing significant civilian casualties and highlighting the urgent need for a sustained ceasefire. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that follow-up meetings would be held to ensure the ceasefire’s durability and foster long-term stability between the neighbouring nations.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has reiterated its commitment to maintaining good relations with all countries, including the United States. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told Tolo News that Afghanistan seeks engagement with the US primarily on economic and political matters. “We support good relations with all countries, including the U.S., and our relations should rely on two channels: diplomatic and trade,” Mujahid said. He added that reopening the US Embassy in Kabul would help establish a legitimate diplomatic channel.
Mujahid further addressed recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding Bagram Airbase, suggesting that the US focus on reopening the Kabul Embassy would facilitate proper diplomatic engagement. “They sometimes talk about Bagram or other matters. We told them: instead of Bagram, activate your embassy in Kabul. By reopening this diplomatic channel, Afghanistan and the US can have proper and legitimate relations. We support good ties, let’s see what they say,” he stated.
In a significant diplomatic development, India has upgraded its Technical Mission in Kabul to full embassy status. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that the move reflects India’s resolve to deepen bilateral engagement with Afghanistan across multiple sectors. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the upgrade during his meeting with Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, noting that the new embassy will further strengthen India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development. The Afghan Foreign Minister visited India from October 9 to 16, during which discussions focused on expanding cooperation and enhancing economic, political, and cultural ties.
Experts note that while the ceasefire represents a positive step, its implementation remains critical. Mohammad Amin Karim, an international relations analyst, highlighted that while the United States continues to debate its long-term policy toward Afghanistan, regional initiatives such as this ceasefire signal growing international confidence in dialogue-based conflict resolution. He said, “In the United States, there is ongoing contention between those who support and those who oppose engagement with the current system in Afghanistan. The announcement of a formal ceasefire indicates that regional stakeholders are increasingly prioritising stability and diplomatic dialogue.”
The renewed focus on diplomacy underscores Afghanistan’s strategy to stabilise its borders, safeguard civilians, and engage constructively with global partners. With Pakistan and Afghanistan agreeing to suspend hostilities, the region may witness reduced tensions and an opportunity for broader economic and political cooperation. Both countries have committed to reviewing any disputes through peaceful dialogue, signalling a cautious but promising step toward long-term peace.
This ceasefire agreement also comes at a time when Afghanistan seeks to balance regional relations while strengthening ties with major international powers. The emphasis on dialogue, civilian safety, and bilateral cooperation indicates a clear intent by the Islamic Emirate to establish stability and create a framework for sustainable peace in the region.
