Kabul, Oct 19 (NVI) Owing to the intervention of Qatar and Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan today agreed to have peace, mutual respect and strong and constructive neighbourly relations even as the Taliban regime refused to acknowledge the border between the two countries as being an “internationally-recognised” frontier.
Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have been intermittently fighting militarily over the last 10 days, reached the agreement in Doha during delegation-level talks, led by their Defence Ministers.
After the talks, Qatar issued a statement saying Pakistan and Afghanistan “agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries”.
It said the two countries also agreed to “hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner, thus contributing to achieving security and stability on both the countries.”
The statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Qatar expressed hope that “this important step will contribute to ending tensions” on the Durand Line, “the border between the two brotherly countries”.
However, soon after, the Taliban regime said there was no mention of “border” in the talks and maintained that it does not recognise the “imaginary” Durand Line as the “border” between the countries.
In view of the Afghan side’s public objections, Qatar made corrections in its statement in which the Durand Line had been referred to as a “border.”
This correction is being regarded by the Afghan side as a notable political achievement for the Islamic Emirate’s (Taliban’s) delegation in the Doha negotiations.
The Taliban regime, in its Press Release issued by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, said:
“Negotiations between representatives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, held in Qatar, have concluded with the signing of a bilateral agreement. We wish to express our profound appreciation to the brotherly nations of Qatar and Turkey for their instrumental role in facilitating the negotiations that led to this agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, both sides reaffirm their commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the maintenance of strong and constructive neighborly relations. Both sides are committed to resolving issues and disputes through dialogue.
A comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire has been mutually agreed upon.
It has been decided that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan.
Both sides will refrain from targeting each other’s security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure.
In the future, a mechanism will be established, under the mediation of intermediary countries, to review bilateral claims and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement.” (NVI)
