Following a series of escalating border clashes that left over a dozen civilians dead, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary ceasefire lasting 48 hours. The agreement, announced by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, is set to take effect at 6pm local time on Wednesday, aiming to curb the ongoing violence that has plagued the region for years.
According to a statement released by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, both countries have committed to ‘sincere efforts through dialogue to find a positive solution to their complex yet resolvable issues.’ This is a significant step in de-escalating the tensions that have led to numerous casualties and political instability in the region.
Afghanistan’s Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that Pakistani forces launched an attack, firing light and heavy weapons that resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians and injured over 100 others. In response, Afghan forces allegedly fired back, killing a large number of soldiers, seizing military equipment, and damaging installations. However, the Pakistani government has vehemently denied these claims, calling them ‘outrageous’ and ‘blatant lies,’ asserting that the Taliban initiated the violence by attacking a Pakistani military post.
The conflict has sparked intense cross-border tensions, with both nations trading casualty claims in the past weekend’s confrontations. The Taliban reported killing 58 Pakistani soldiers, while Islamabad claimed capturing 19 Afghan frontier posts. This has heightened fears of further escalation, prompting both governments to prioritize diplomatic resolution over continued hostilities.
As the 48-hour ceasefire takes effect, the situation remains volatile, with each side maintaining its narrative about the circumstances leading to the conflict. The potential for renewed violence underscores the need for sustained dialogue to address the underlying issues that have long divided the two neighboring countries.