Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to maintain a ceasefire — for now. Here's what to know
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — After five days of on-and-off talks in Istanbul to resolve hostilities that flared in the first half of October, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to continue a ceasefire they arrived at earlier this month, Turkey's Foreign Ministry announced Thursday.
In a statement, the ministry said the next round of talks would take place on Nov. 6: "All parties have agreed to put in place a monitoring and verification mechanism that will ensure maintenance of peace and imposing penalty on the violating party."
The ceasefire came after more than a week of cross-border gunfire and targeted strikes inside Afghanistan killed dozens on both sides, including civilians. The agreement put a pause on the most intense fighting between the two countries in years.
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Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has ground to a halt as major border crossings remain closed.
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