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Mediation

Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Extend Ceasefire Amid Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend a temporary ceasefire, aiming to defuse tensions after a deadly flare-up in October. The two nations will hold another round of peace talks in Istanbul next week, following the worst clashes between them since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The agreement comes after Turkey and Qatar mediated a ceasefire, and a monitoring mechanism will be established to ensure peace and penalise the violating party. Both sides have agreed to meet again and discuss the remaining issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be extended, with a monitoring mechanism to be established to ensure peace and penalise the violating party.
  • The two nations will hold another round of peace talks in Istanbul next week, mediated by Turkey and Qatar.
  • The talks come after the worst clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, resulting in over 70 deaths and hundreds wounded.
  • Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring militant groups, while the Taliban government denies the allegations.
  • The border between the two countries has been closed for over two weeks, affecting the earnings of traders and causing significant losses for both countries.
  • The violence killed at least 50 Afghan civilians and wounded 447 others in one week, according to the United Nations mission in Afghanistan.
  • Pakistan's military said 23 personnel were killed and 29 wounded in the violence, without detailing civilian casualties.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the violence that erupted after explosions in Kabul on October 9.
  • The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been closed for over two weeks, affecting the earnings of traders.
  • At least 50 Afghan civilians were killed and 447 others were wounded in one week, according to the United Nations mission in Afghanistan.
  • Pakistan's military said 23 personnel were killed and 29 wounded in the violence.
  • The violence occurred after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harbouring militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Sources:

  • The New Nation
  • United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
  • Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid
  • Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi
  • Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani

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