Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan agreed in Doha on Sunday to an immediate ceasefire after a week of cross-border raids and Pakistani air strikes that hit Kabul and Kandahar. Talks between the countries' defence and intelligence chiefs, brokered by Qatar and Turkey, followed fighting that the UN says killed at least 37 civilians. Kabul's spokesman said both sides would halt hostile acts, avoid targeting forces, civilians and infrastructure, and forgo support to groups attacking Pakistan. Pakistan's defence minister confirmed the truce and said delegations will meet in Istanbul later this month for further talks.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.