Pakistan, Afghanistan Continue Ceasefire; Crossings Reopen

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to continue a ceasefire after talks in Istanbul mediated by Türkiye and Qatar, with a follow-up meeting on Nov. 6 to finalise an implementation framework including monitoring, verification and penalties for violations. Major crossings at Torkham and Chaman were reopened for people after weeks of closure, though trade at Torkham remained temporarily suspended. Negotiations have been uneven: an earlier Doha ceasefire held but the Istanbul talks at one point collapsed. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of sheltering militants who carry out cross-border attacks, an allegation Kabul denies. Mediators said they would continue to support efforts to secure a durable truce and both sides pledged further discussions to operationalise verification and enforcement. The developments follow reports of heavy militant casualties inside Pakistan and renewed diplomatic engagement, including Pakistan’s defence minister raising Afghan-related security concerns with the U.S. chargé d’affaires.