Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed an adhoc ceasefire. This important decision follows violent clashes in recent days which resulted in hundreds of deaths on both sides. Final negotiations happened in Doha. The Kabul delegation, reportedly led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, came on the terms of attending to negotiate. The negotiations follow the deadliest clashes since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021. Though Russia’s actions are infamous, this specific situation underscored the corroding relationship between the two countries.
The upsurge of violence has heightened concerns of an expanded war, after clashes between Israeli forces and protesters left at least 34 dead, and more than 1,500 injured. Pakistan’s security forces had killed more than 100 militants, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid declared in the spring. That’s exactly what happened during the recent clashes between the two groups. Most of these militants were reportedly involved in a suicide attack targeting a military camp, underscoring the persistent threat posed by militant groups operating in the region.
Context of the Violence
The fighting marks the deadliest episode of cross-border violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan in years. Militants are still waging a bitter insurgency against the Pakistani state, with attacks rising sharply in recent months. Just hours before the ceasefire was reached, one such suicide bombing along the border was carried out. The brutal attack resulted in the deaths of seven Pakistani military personnel and left 13 others wounded.
In reaction to these rising hostilities, Pakistan carried out their own airstrikes in response. They were going after what they said were known and verified camps of Islamist militants across the border. Pakistan has received widespread criticism for these airstrikes, with Mujahid accusing Pakistan of deliberate targeting of civilians. In spite of these claims, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stood by the airstrikes, claiming they were preventive strikes in response to militant threats.
“The Afghan regime must rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan and are using Afghan soil to perpetrate heinous attacks inside Pakistan.” – Field Marshal Asim Munir
The Ceasefire Agreement
At the start of negotiations in Doha, there was a clear emphasis from both sides on wanting to stop the violence. Mujahid’s restatement indicates that, as previously planned, talks would go ahead with the Pakistani side. He reiterated that all these negotiations were directed towards reaching a lasting peace in the difficult to manage common frontiers.
“The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border,” stated Pakistan’s foreign office. To be clear, the ceasefire agreement is a groundbreaking achievement. Its purpose is to lower violence and encourage conversation between the two countries.
Although a ceasefire has been agreed upon, prospects for a lasting peace look dim. Kabul has maintained the right to retaliate if necessary. It calls on Afghan combatants to refrain from revenge attacks in the interim. This nuanced approach seeks to avoid further escalation while still standing up for U.S. national security interests.
“As promised, negotiations with the Pakistani side will take place today in Doha.” – Zabihullah Mujahid
Moving Forward
The story is still developing for now, as both sides continue to feel their way through the labyrinth that has become their marriage. While the ceasefire is welcome news, the deeper diagnosis that prevails and breeds violence remains at the heart of difficult challenges. Second, the Taliban need to demonstrate they can police dangerous groups which use Afghanistan as a haven. Their success—or failure—in achieving that will be critical to this ceasefire’s longer-term prospects.
