Pakistan has agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire with the occupying Afghan Taliban, aiming to ease rising tensions after days of heavy border clashes. The truce took effect from 6:00 PM Pakistan time and is expected to bring temporary calm to areas affected by recent fighting.
Ceasefire Agreement Between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban
According to officials, Pakistan accepted the ceasefire after a formal request from the Afghan Taliban government. The understanding includes a commitment from both sides to stop all forms of firing and shelling along the border. However, both armies remain on high alert in case of any violations.
Reports suggest that Afghan forces have also been instructed to respect the truce unless provoked. This short-term agreement is viewed as a step toward reducing tensions but not a complete resolution to the ongoing border disputes.
Background: Escalation Along the Border
The ceasefire follows intense clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, particularly near the Chaman and Spin Boldak regions. In recent days, both sides accused each other of initiating attacks that led to civilian and military casualties.
Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Afghanistan’s Kandahar province earlier this week drew sharp criticism from Kabul. In response, Taliban fighters allegedly fired mortars and heavy weapons at Pakistani border posts, further escalating the crisis.
As a result, Pakistan temporarily shut down the Torkham and Chaman crossings, halting trade and movement between the two countries.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Response
Regional observers have welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a necessary pause to prevent further civilian losses. However, analysts warn that without deeper diplomatic engagement, tensions could quickly return once the 48-hour window ends.
Islamabad has emphasized that it remains committed to defending its borders but is open to dialogue if the Afghan side ensures peace and prevents militant activity near the frontier.
Also read: Pakistan Army Eliminates 37 Terrorists in Mohmand and Abakhel Operations
