Islamabad/Kabul – In a rare moment of restraint following days of deadly border clashes, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, according to an official statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The truce is aimed at de-escalating tensions after intense fighting that left dozens dead and disrupted trade along the key Torkham border crossing.
The Pakistani government confirmed that both sides reached the temporary agreement late Monday night after mediation efforts by Qatar and China, which have been closely monitoring the situation. “Following backchannel discussions, both governments have agreed to observe a 48-hour ceasefire to allow for the evacuation of the injured, restoration of border operations, and further dialogue,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ceasefire follows some of the worst cross-border violence in recent years, with artillery and gunfire exchanged across the Durand Line. Afghan officials earlier claimed that over 50 Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the clashes, while Pakistan’s military accused Afghan forces of “unprovoked aggression” and supporting militant infiltration into Pakistani territory.
The border tensions erupted after Islamabad alleged that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was operating freely inside Afghanistan and carrying out attacks on Pakistani security forces. Kabul has denied the allegations, saying Pakistan’s military strikes have violated Afghan sovereignty.
Officials in Islamabad said the ceasefire was a “confidence-building step” but warned that it would be closely monitored. “Pakistan remains committed to peace and regional stability, but any future provocations will be met with a decisive response,” said a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence.
In Kabul, the Taliban government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the ceasefire and said both sides had agreed to hold talks to prevent further escalation. “We have conveyed to Pakistan that the use of force will not resolve issues. Dialogue and mutual respect are the only way forward,” he said.
Trade and transit operations at Torkham and Chaman crossings have been temporarily restored to allow the passage of humanitarian goods and stranded travelers. Thousands of civilians had been caught in the crossfire over the weekend, forcing families to flee villages along the volatile frontier.
Regional analysts say the ceasefire could mark a critical window for de-escalation if both sides use the opportunity for constructive dialogue. “These 48 hours will test whether Kabul and Islamabad can move from confrontation to communication,” said a South Asia security expert.
For now, the guns have fallen silent — but with deep mistrust, unresolved security concerns, and militant activity along the border, the ceasefire remains fragile and uncertain.