Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Signals Hope for Long-Term Peace
Islamabad, October 20, 2025 — A landmark ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan offers a promising pathway toward peace, as the two countries commit to ending cross-border violence and working together against terrorism. Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, emphasized that the accord depends on the Afghan Taliban’s ability to rein in militants operating from their soil.
The ceasefire was negotiated in Doha, with mediation from Qatar and Turkey, and the agreement outlines that incursions and militant attacks from Afghan territory will constitute violations. “All hinges on this one clause,” the minister stated.
Asif further noted that once the agreement is fully implemented, it can pave the way for resumption of trade, transit and people-to-people exchange between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He described the moment as “hopeful yet careful,” acknowledging that the upcoming meeting in Istanbul on October 25 will fine-tune the monitoring mechanism.
While noting that full success depends on sustained cooperation, the defence minister expressed optimism: “We have established the framework; now we must work together to deliver peace.” The step is being hailed as a positive turn in regional stability and offers hope for improved relations and security for border communities.
