Pakistan and Afghan Taliban extend 48-hour ceasefire ahead of Doha talks to prevent further border escalation as both sides prepare for crucial negotiations in Qatar. According to diplomatic sources quoted by Reuters, the extension was made at the request of the Afghan Taliban to allow dialogue efforts to continue peacefully. The temporary truce, initially set to expire at 6 pm on Friday, has now been prolonged for another 48 hours to facilitate ongoing discussions and reduce cross-border hostilities.
Sources confirmed that a Pakistani delegation has already reached Doha, while the Afghan delegation is expected to arrive in the Qatari capital on Saturday. The high-level talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are scheduled to begin the same day, with both parties expected to address recent tensions along the border and discuss a framework for long-term stability.
The Pakistan Foreign Office earlier confirmed that the two sides had mutually agreed on a temporary ceasefire starting October 15, initiated upon the Taliban’s request. The Pakistan and Afghan Taliban extend 48-hour ceasefire ahead of Doha talks agreement comes amid a sensitive phase of regional diplomacy, as Islamabad continues to push for peace and border security amid repeated provocations from across the Afghan side.
Prior to the truce, Pakistan conducted precision strikes targeting Afghan Taliban and Khawarij hideouts in Kandahar and Kabul provinces. According to credible security sources, the Pakistan Army destroyed multiple Taliban battalion headquarters, including Battalion Headquarters No 4, the 8th Battalion, and Border Brigade No 5. All selected targets were carefully identified away from civilian areas to minimize collateral damage.
In Kabul, the strikes successfully hit command and leadership centres of a group identified as Fitna al-Hindustan. Security sources stated that Pakistan’s military retains the full capability and readiness to respond decisively to any form of aggression or provocation threatening its sovereignty.
Earlier this week, Pakistani security forces foiled coordinated cross-border assaults by Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij elements in the Spin Boldak region of Balochistan and in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Around 50 attackers were neutralized in counteroffensive operations, according to official reports.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that Afghan Taliban fighters launched attacks at four separate points along the border on October 15. Pakistani troops responded effectively, killing up to 20 Taliban fighters and injuring several others. ISPR added that the militants used routes passing through civilian areas, demonstrating a reckless disregard for civilian safety.
As the 48-hour ceasefire continues, all eyes are on Doha, where the outcome of the talks could determine whether the fragile peace between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban can hold or escalate further.
