Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree 48-Hour Ceasefire Amid Border Clashes

Islamabad: Pakistan announced a 48- hour ceasefire with Afghanistan on Wednesday following deadly border clashes that have left dozens dead on both sides. The truce, confirmed by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, is effective from 6 PM and was described as a temporary arrangement reached by mutual consent. Afghanistan’s chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the ceasefire was declared “at the request and insistence of the Pakistani side” from 5:30 PM and that Taliban forces were ordered to maintain restraint unless provoked.

The announcement comes amid intensified hostilities along the Spin Boldak area in Balochistan and Kurram Sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Pakistan said it repulsed multiple Taliban- led attacks. The army claimed over 40 attackers were killed, including fighters from the Taliban and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad refers to as “Fitna al- Khawarij.” Pakistani forces also said the Afghan Taliban destroyed the Pak--Afghan Friendship Gate, a symbol of cross-border trade and tribal movement.

Earlier, Pakistan’s state-run media reported “precision strikes” by the army on Taliban positions in Kandahar and Kabul, targeting key hideouts. According to Islamabad, two Taliban brigades were destroyed, and dozens of fighters killed, with the military emphasising its capability to respond to any aggression. The Afghan side dismissed Pakistan’s claims, denying that Afghan territory was used for attacks on Pakistan.

Tensions escalated following a deadly TTP attack in Orakzai district earlier this month, which killed 11 Pakistani soldiers, including senior officers. Pakistan holds the Afghan regime responsible for failing to curb militant activity, while Kabul rejects the allegations, further complicating bilateral relations.

While both sides have announced the ceasefire, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the period would be used to seek “a positive solution to this complex but solvable issue” through dialogue. Analysts, however, caution that mistrust, cross-border militancy, and repeated clashes make lasting peace uncertain. The ceasefire, though brief, offers a window to de-escalate tensions and potentially establish mechanisms to prevent further violence along the porous border that has long been a flashpoint for regional instability.

The situation underscores the fragile security environment between Pakistan and Afghanistan, where militant groups and historical grievances continue to challenge diplomatic efforts, and where any progress toward stability remains contingent on mutual restraint and effective control over armed actors on both sides.