Dhaka, Oct. 20 -- Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire in talks mediated by Qatar and Turkiye following a week of fierce and deadly clashes along their disputed border.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs early on Sunday said the two South Asian nations agreed to the ceasefire "and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries".

Doha said the two countries also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days "to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner".

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the deal, calling it a "first step in the right direction"...