Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its official statement on Saturday’s ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan, removing a reference to “the border” between the two countries, a shift that has triggered political debate.
The original statement, published after the conclusion of talks in Doha late Saturday, said the ceasefire could help reduce tensions “on the border between the two brotherly countries.” In a revised version released roughly 18 hours later, that phrase was changed to “between the two brotherly countries,” omitting any mention of the border.
The updated paragraph now reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s hope that this important step will contribute to ending tensions between the two brotherly countries and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.”
The change has drawn attention in Afghan political and media circles, where the issue of the Durand Line — the disputed boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan — remains highly sensitive. Afghan governments as well as the Taliban have historically refused to recognize the Durand Line as an international border, while Pakistan considers it official and final.
Some political analysts have interpreted Qatar’s revision as a diplomatic move aimed at avoiding the appearance of recognizing the Durand Line, especially in light of domestic reactions in Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s defense minister, Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, addressed the issue in a virtual press conference following the ceasefire agreement. He stated that the status of the Durand Line was not discussed during the talks in Doha and described it as an “imaginary border,” asserting that such matters are for “the nations” to decide.
The ceasefire deal, brokered by Qatar and Turkey, was signed following days of cross-border violence that killed at least 37 civilians and injured more than 400, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Both sides pledged to avoid further hostilities and agreed to establish technical committees to monitor implementation.
A second round of Taliban–Pakistan talks is scheduled for Oct. 25 in Istanbul.
Former Vice President Amrullah Saleh reacted to Qatar’s edit on social media, saying the decision to remove the word “border” came in response to public backlash within Afghanistan.
