Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an immediate ceasefire agreement during negotiations in Doha, Qatar, as announced on October 18th, 2025. The accord stipulates an immediate cessation of terrorism originating from Afghanistan into Pakistan and mutual respect for each nation's territory. This development was confirmed by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif via X (formerly Twitter) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar (MOFA Qatar) in a statement. Following the agreement, delegations from both countries are scheduled to reconvene in Istanbul on October 25th to discuss detailed matters. Both Qatar and Turkey were acknowledged for their role in facilitating these discussions. The ceasefire comes after a period of heightened tensions and security concerns, including a drone attack in Pakistan's Bajaur district on October 18th, 2025, at 7:30 PM UTC, which resulted in one fatality and injured security personnel. The previous day, Pakistan security forces conducted strikes in Paktika, Afghanistan, reportedly eliminating over 70 militants from the Kharji Gul Bahadur group, according to ISPR. This operation targeted terrorist hideouts and neutralized several key commanders. These strikes followed a foiled Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack in Khadi, North Waziristan, on October 17th, which tragically resulted in the deaths of three women, two children, and one soldier. Earlier on October 18th, Azerbaijan began receiving its first consignment of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets from Pakistan. Three jets, including a twin-seater variant, were photographed, marking a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations. This delivery is part of Azerbaijan's acquisition of advanced combat aircraft manufactured in Pakistan.
