Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government have agreed to an 'immediate ceasefire' after more than a week of deadly fighting.

The foreign ministry of Qatar, which mediated talks alongside Turkey, said both sides had agreed to establish 'mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability.'

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, stated that ending 'hostile actions' was 'important', while Pakistan’s foreign minister termed the agreement as the 'first step in the right direction.'

Both sides claim to have inflicted heavy casualties during the clashes, the worst fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Islamabad has long accused the Taliban of harboring armed groups which carry out attacks in Pakistan, a charge the Taliban denies.

Clashes intensified along the 1,600-mile mountainous border between the two nations after the Taliban accused Pakistan of conducting attacks in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

In the days that ensued, Afghan troops fired upon Pakistani border posts, leading to a reciprocal response from Pakistan involving mortar fire and drone strikes.

At least three dozen Afghan civilians were reported killed, with hundreds more injured according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

The recent agreement signifies a significant attempt to mend relations, with Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stating that the ceasefire aims to immediately halt terrorism emanating from Afghan territories on Pakistan's soil.

The Taliban have agreed not to support groups that conduct attacks against the Government of Pakistan, and both nations committed to refrain from targeting each other's security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure.

Future dialogue is anticipated with both sides set to convene in Istanbul for further discussions next week.