ISLAMABAD/KABUL (REUTERS)

Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks in Doha after a week of fierce border clashes that were the worst violence between the two countries since the Taliban came to power in Kabul in 2021.

The ceasefire between the South Asian neighbours "has been finalised", Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif posted on X on Sunday, saying both sides would meet again on October 25 in Istanbul to discuss "detailed matters".

Qatar's foreign ministry, which mediated Saturday's talks along with Turkiye, said the follow-up meetings were meant "to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner".

Pakistan and Afghanistan are seeking a way forward after the clashes killed dozens and wounded hundreds. The talks were led by Asif and his Afghan counterpart, Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, both sides said.

The ground fighting was triggered after Islamabad demanded that Kabul rein in militants who had stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.

The Taliban denies giving haven to militants to attack Pakistan.

Afghanistan meanwhile withdrew from the cricket Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan next month after the death of three local cricketers due to military strikes in Paktika province.