Doha/Islamabad/Kabul: Qatar on Saturday announced that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, following urgent talks in Doha aimed at halting days of deadly cross-border fighting that has heightened regional tensions.

In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the discussions were held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and resulted in an agreement by both sides to stop hostilities at once. The talks, co-facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, brought together Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Afghanistan’s acting Defence Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob. ADVERTISEMENT

“The two parties agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the implementation and sustainability of the ceasefire,” the Qatari statement said.

Intens

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