In Doha, Pakistan and Afghanistan agree on ceasefire, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire after negotiations in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Türkiye.
• The agreement aims to establish "mechanisms" for lasting peace and stability between the two countries.
• Follow-up meetings are planned to ensure the implementation and sustainability of the truce.
• Tensions rose due to cross-border clashes and alleged Pakistani air strikes near Kabul.

Detailed Insights:

• Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained since 2023 due to concerns over cross-border attacks.
• Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan to take action against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it accuses of launching attacks from Afghan soil.
• Recent terrorist attacks, including one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Orakzai district, further deteriorated the situation.
• A temporary ceasefire was initially agreed upon for 48 hours and later extended before fresh air strikes were launched by Pakistan.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting, typically as a prelude to peace talks.
• Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.
• Cross-border attacks: Hostile actions initiated from one country's territory against another.