KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Pakistan and the Taliban have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire starting Wednesday at 6 p.m. Kabul time to allow talks following days of deadly cross-border fighting that left dozens dead and wounded, authorities on both sides confirmed.
Pakistani media outlet The Express Tribune, citing Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, reported the truce was reached at the Taliban’s request with mutual consent. Both sides are expected to hold talks during the pause to “find a positive solution to a complex but solvable issue.”
“This temporary pause aims to create space for meaningful discussions and promote stability along the border,” the ministry said, according to the newspaper.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the agreement, saying it followed the “request and insistence of the Pakistani side.” He added that Taliban forces were ordered to observe the ceasefire “unless there is a violation.”
The clashes began on Saturday evening after the Taliban attacked Pakistani border posts, citing retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika provinces. Pakistan’s military said 23 of its soldiers and more than 200 Taliban and allied fighters were killed.
Fighting flared again on Wednesday after Pakistani airstrikes in southern Kandahar province, where the Taliban’s reclusive leader is based. The strikes were followed by intense border clashes, leaving dozens dead and injured, including civilians, local sources said.
Later on Wednesday, Pakistan’s state television, PTV, reported another airstrike on “TTP targets” in Kabul, the capital, marking the second such strike in the city in less than a week. Local sources confirmed the attack, while the Taliban spokesperson said the explosion was caused by a fire in a fuel tanker.
Following the incident, the Emergency Hospital in Kabul reported receiving around 40 wounded, including women and children. Five were already dead, and many others were in critical condition.
The UN and regional powers, including Russia, China, Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have called on Pakistan and the Taliban to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through diplomacy. The UN also expressed concern over civilian casualties, urging an end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.
Tensions between the two former allies escalated after Islamabad repeatedly urged the Taliban to take action against militants responsible for increased attacks in Pakistan, claiming they are operating from safe havens in Afghanistan.
The Taliban reject the allegations, accusing the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation, provoking border clashes, and providing shelter to ISIS-linked militants to destabilize Afghanistan and undermine its sovereignty.
