Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime have agreed to maintain a ceasefire following a new round of peace talks in Istanbul, Turkiye’s foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday night. The discussions, mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, took place from October 25 to 30 to reinforce the earlier Doha ceasefire agreement reached on October 18-19.
A joint statement said that both sides will discuss further implementation modalities during a principal-level meeting in Istanbul on November 6, 2025. The statement added that all parties agreed to establish a monitoring and verification mechanism to ensure compliance and impose penalties on violators.
Mediators Urge Continued Commitment to Peace
Turkiye and Qatar lauded the constructive role of both countries and reaffirmed their willingness to continue facilitating dialogue for regional stability.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar welcomed the development, expressing hope that terrorist actions would cease. He urged the Taliban regime to ensure Afghan territory is not used against Pakistan. Tarar emphasized that penalties would apply to any violations and said the ceasefire also includes Taliban operations against “Fitna al-Khawarij.”
Pakistan Warns Against External Influence
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry warned the Taliban regime against acting as a proxy for India, stating that such alignment would undermine Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He reiterated that Pakistan’s peace and people remain “red lines.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said a complete breakthrough was still pending and progress would depend on Kabul’s cooperation under Turkish and Qatari guidance.
