A Break in the Storm: Afghanistan and Pakistan Agree to Lay Down Arms

After weeks of tension and violence, both sides have agreed to a truce.

The Truce

• Brokers: Qatar and Turkey
• Effective: Immediately
• Goal: To cool off and stop the fighting

The Conflict

• Start: Earlier this month
• Accusations: Each side blames the other for starting the conflict
• Afghanistan's Stance: Denies hiding militants who attack Pakistan
• Pakistan's Situation: Dealing with a surge in militancy since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021

The Agreement

• Location: Doha, Qatar
• Duration of Talks: 13 hours
• Promises:
• Not to attack each other
• Not to support groups that attack each other
• To set up a system to sort out issues and ensure the deal is followed
• Next Meeting: Istanbul, later this month

Impact on the Border

• Durand Line: A point of contention for years; Afghanistan has never recognized it
• Effects:
• Forced people to leave their homes
• Left thousands stranded at border crossings
• Border Crossings:
• Chaman: Open only for Afghan refugees leaving Pakistan; trade and regular travel from Afghanistan still on hold
• Torkham: Completely shut down

Voices from the Ground

• Shafiullah Khan: An Afghan refugee stuck at Chaman, hopeful about the ceasefire
• Hazarat Bilal Umaid: A businessman worried about his livelihood, hoping for borders to reopen soon