Pakistan, Afghanistan Firm on 48-Hour Ceasefire
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pakistan time on Wednesday. The truce comes after days of intense cross-border fighting that left dozens dead and many injured. Islamabad described the pause as a chance to open dialogue and prevent further escalation.
Clashes Prior to Truce
The ceasefire follows the deadliest border confrontations in years, with both sides reporting heavy casualties. Pakistan accused Afghan forces of opening “unprovoked fire,” while Afghanistan said Pakistani strikes killed civilians as well as its fighters.
Conditions and Commitments
Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that both countries pledged to act sincerely during the truce. The Taliban’s defense ministry instructed its forces to hold positions and fire only if attacked first. The agreement is seen as fragile, given the mistrust and competing claims over who initiated the violence.
Next Steps
Despite the ceasefire, border crossings remain shut, cutting off trade and movement for locals. Analysts warn that the truce may prove temporary unless both sides pursue structured talks. The coming days will determine whether the pause eases tensions or merely delays renewed clashes.
