A joint Pakistan-Afghanistan Jirga, an assembly of elders and community leaders, has called for an immediate ceasefire to ease the rising tensions between the two neighbours.

The declaration was issued at the conclusion of the Jirga in Peshawar yesterday, which was attended by former governors, political leaders, ex-diplomats, tribal elders, intellectuals, and religious scholars.

They emphasised that both countries must ensure their territories are not used against each other under any circumstances.

The official statement issued urged governments of both nations to fully utilise their state capacity to implement mutually agreed decisions to maintain peace.

It also stressed that all disputes and differences should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, as the only viable options.