Afghanistan, Pakistan enter 48-hour truce after deadly border clashes

"Pakistan and Afghanistan have implemented a ceasefire following the deadliest border clashes in years that killed dozens of people and led to evacuations on both sides. The 48-hour truce began Wednesday at 6:00pm Islamabad time (13:00 GMT), with each country claiming the other requested the pause in hostilities. Pakistan confirmed the ceasefire duration, stating: During this period, both sides will sincerely strive to find a positive solution to this complex but resolvable issue through constructive dialogue."

"Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan's military reported that Afghan Taliban fighters assaulted two major border posts in the southwest and northwest. It claimed both attacks were successfully repelled, with approximately 20 Taliban fighters killed near Spin Boldak in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Unfortunately, the attack was orchestrated through divided villages in the area, with no regard for the civil population, the Pakistani military stated."

"In Kabul, the Taliban government directed its forces to respect the truce unless it is violated by Pakistan, according to a spokesman's statement on X. This temporary cessation follows a week of escalating violence. The Taliban had initiated offensives along the southern Pakistani border, prompting Islamabad to threaten decisive retaliation. Pakistan has consistently accused Afghanistan of sheltering Pakistani Taliban (TTP) fighters, claims that Kabul rejects."

Kabul ordered its forces to honour a 48-hour ceasefire beginning Wednesday 6:00pm Islamabad time and warned of retaliation if Pakistan violates the truce. Pakistan confirmed the ceasefire and urged both sides to seek a positive solution through constructive dialogue. The pause follows the deadliest border clashes in years that killed dozens and triggered evacuations. Violence escalated over a week after Taliban offensives along Pakistan's southern border and Islamabad's threats of decisive retaliation. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of sheltering TTP fighters, an allegation Kabul rejects. Both sides reported casualties; Pakistan claimed repelled assaults and Taliban deaths while the Taliban reported civilian fatalities near Spin Boldak.

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