Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban government have agreed to a fragile, temporary Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire following a dramatic escalation of deadly Cross-Border Clashes that included reported Pakistani air strikes targeting areas in Kabul and Kandahar.
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The 48-hour truce, which Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated began at 13:00 GMT on Wednesday, is aimed at finding a “positive solution” through “constructive dialogue.” However, the agreement is immediately complicated by both sides contradicting who requested the ceasefire, underscoring the deep distrust that has flared into the most intense fighting since the Taliban returned to power.
Deadliest Day of Clashes:
Wednesday’s violence followed days of intense fighting, including clashes over the weekend. The latest round began with each side accusing the other of initiating the deadly exchange, primarily centered in the Spin Boldak border district.
- The Pakistan Army claimed its forces killed “15-20 Afghan Taliban” and injured many in the border area.
- The Afghan Taliban spokesman countered, claiming numerous Pakistani soldiers had been killed and that 12 civilians had died with over 100 wounded due to Pakistani firing.
The reports of heavy casualties on both sides, which could not be independently confirmed, highlighted the severity of the confrontation.
Strikes in Kabul and Ceasefire Announcement:
Tensions ratcheted up further later in the day after explosions rocked Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, and Kandahar. Pakistani state media reported that the armed forces had carried out “precision strikes” on targets in Kandahar and Kabul. While the Pakistani military offered no public acknowledgement, and the Taliban spokesman initially posted about generic explosions, Taliban government sources told the that Kabul had been hit by at least two air strikes. An emergency surgical centre in Kabul reported receiving 40 people following the blasts, five of whom were dead on arrival.
Within an hour of the explosions, Pakistan announced the temporary ceasefire, which the Afghan Taliban government spokesman instructed its forces to respect “as long as no one commits aggression.”
Root of the Crisis: Militancy Accusations:
The latest fighting comes amid sustained accusations from Islamabad that the Afghan Taliban is harboring militants who launch attacks into Pakistan—a charge vehemently denied by Kabul. Videos purportedly of the fighting and its aftermath, though unverified, were shared across social media, showing an intense digital battle for public perception alongside the physical fighting.
The ongoing border crisis has prompted international concern, with calls for de-escalation from countries including China and Russia, and a suggestion from President Donald Trump that he could step in to broker peace. UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett also expressed deep concern over civilian casualties, urging all parties to “exercise maximum restraint” and protect civilians.
