Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after more than a week of deadly fighting.
The foreign ministry of Qatar, which mediated talks alongside Turkey, stated that both sides have committed to establish mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, emphasized the importance of ending hostile actions, while Pakistan's foreign minister described the agreement as a first step in the right direction.
Both parties reported inflicting heavy casualties during the clashes, marking the worst fighting since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Islamabad has accused the Taliban of harboring armed groups that conduct attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban denies.
Clashes intensified along the 1,600-mile mountainous border following the Taliban's accusations that Pakistan had attacked Kabul.
After rumors circulated regarding an attack targeting Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Afghan troops retaliated by firing at Pakistani posts, prompting a response involving mortar fire and drone strikes.
According to the UN, over three dozen Afghan civilians have died, with many others wounded in the violence.
A temporary ceasefire was briefly declared during discussions in Doha, though violence persisted.
After a reported airstrike by Pakistan that killed eight individuals, including local cricket players, the Taliban agreed not to support assaults against Pakistan while committing both sides to refrain from targeting security forces, civilians, or infrastructure.
The situation remains tense, with further talks planned in Istanbul next week. Background relations have been strained since Islamabad accused the Taliban of offering sanctuary to the Pakistan Taliban, which has launched numerous attacks against Pakistani forces.
