Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to maintain a ceasefire following peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey's Foreign Ministry announced Thursday. The two sides also agreed to continue discussions after a dialogue between them had collapsed earlier in the week.

"Talks between Afghanistan and Pakistani officials concluded in Istanbul after several days of mediation led by Ankara and Doha, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions," Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid was quoted by Reuters as saying on Friday.

“All parties have agreed to put in place a monitoring and verification mechanism that will ensure maintenance of peace and imposing penalty on the violating party,” the statement read.

The ceasefire began on October 19.

The latest negotiations, facilitated by Turkey

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