China, Saudia welcome truce as Islamabad, Kabul reaffirm joint efforts to tackle border terrorism

— Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says both nations recognized terrorism as major barrier to regional peace and progress

— Pakistan-Afghanistan border is likely to reopen within 24 to 48 hours

— Asif stresses regional peace can only be achieved through coordinated efforts to counter extremism

— Afghan Defence Minister also acknowledges terrorism as primary source of tensions between two neighbours

ISLAMABAD: China and Saudi Arabia on Monday welcomed ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan as both countries reiterated their commitment to jointly combat terrorism along their shared border, signaling a renewed push to stabilize a region long affected by militancy.

Informed sources say that the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is likely to reopen within next 24 to 48 hours.

In an interview with Al-Jazeera Arabic, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that both nations recognized terrorism as the major barrier to regional peace and progress. He highlighted that recent talks have focused on establishing a lasting framework for security cooperation aimed at eliminating groups responsible for cross-border violence.

The Afghan Defence Minister also acknowledged that terrorism is the primary source of tension between Islamabad and Kabul, emphasizing the need for both governments to take decisive action against this threat. Asif stressed that regional peace can only be achieved through coordinated efforts to counter extremism.

Preparations are underway for an important meeting in Istanbul next week, where officials are expected to finalize details of the new agreement. The agenda will cover intelligence sharing, joint border surveillance, and a framework for ensuring adherence to ceasefire agreements.

Asif expressed hope that resolving the terrorism issue would pave the way for further cooperation in trade, transit, and infrastructure development, benefiting both economies. He noted that stabilizing the border could allow Afghanistan to resume commercial activities through Pakistani ports.

This renewed engagement follows persistent security challenges in the border areas, where militant activities have often disrupted diplomatic progress. The upcoming Istanbul meeting is seen as a potential turning point, with analysts optimistic that concrete actions could enhance bilateral relations and regional stability.

China welcomes ceasefire agreement between Pakistan, Afghanistan

China welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire under the mediation of Qatar and Turkey. Furthermore, the two sides will continue talks to ensure its sustainability. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the ceasefire and said the two sides would hold another round of talks in Istanbul on October 25.

“Both Pakistan and Afghanistan are China’s traditional friendly neighbors and each other’s neighbor that cannot be moved away,” noted Guo when asked to comment on the agreement at a regular press briefing.

China welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries and commends the contributions made by the relevant countries, said Guo.

China sincerely hopes for and supports the continued dialogue and consultation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and jointly safeguard the peace and stability of both countries and the region, Guo added.

“China is willing to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role in improving and advancing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations,” Guo said.

Saudi Arabia on Monday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan following more than a week of deadly cross-border clashes, describing it as a “positive step” toward lasting peace and stability in the region.

Riyadh backs Doha-mediated truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan

The truce, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, was finalised early Sunday after intense talks between high-level delegations from both countries in Doha. The two sides agreed to halt hostilities, establish a joint monitoring mechanism, and continue discussions on long-term border management. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25, where confidence-building measures are expected to be reviewed.

In a statement posted on its official X account, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the signing by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan of an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries, during the round of negotiations held in Doha.”

The statement reaffirmed Riyadh’s “support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability,” while expressing hope that this agreement would “lead to an end to tensions on the border between the two countries.” The ministry added that the kingdom remains committed to ensuring security that achieves “stability and prosperity for the brotherly peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

Saudi Arabia also commended the mediation efforts of Turkiye and Qatar, praising their “constructive diplomatic role” in bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Riyadh’s engagement carries symbolic weight, as the kingdom signed a major defence cooperation pact with Pakistan last month.

Under that agreement, an attack on one country would be considered an attack on both; a sign of deepening security cooperation between the two longstanding allies.