Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Temporary Halt in Border Conflict
Islamabad – Following days of intense clashes along the border, Pakistan has announced an agreement for a 48-hour ceasefire with Afghanistan. The decision comes after recent violence that has resulted in casualties on both sides.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the ceasefire was initiated at the request of the Afghan government. However, a spokesman for the Taliban government in Afghanistan stated the truce was at Pakistan’s urging, with no mention of the 48-hour timeframe.
Tensions have been high due to Pakistan’s concerns about Afghanistan harboring armed groups. Pakistan has seen an increase in militant attacks since the Taliban took control in Afghanistan in 2021. This instability worries many, as it could allow groups like ISIS and al-Qaida to regain power in the region.
Prior to the ceasefire, Pakistani forces reported neutralizing many Afghan security forces and militants during overnight fighting. These clashes briefly stopped on Sunday after appeals from Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Pakistani forces stated they defended against unprovoked attacks, but denied targeting civilians. The Taliban government claimed that Pakistani actions in the Kandahar province resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
Reports from the Pakistani town of Chaman indicate that mortars were landing near residential areas, causing families to evacuate. A local resident urged both countries to end the conflict to prevent further harm to civilians.
Pakistan’s border regions have experienced conflict since the Soviet-Afghan War. The situation worsened after the September 11th attacks, with the Afghan Taliban, al-Qaida, and other groups operating along the border, launching attacks on both NATO and Pakistani forces.
Key border crossings between the two countries remain closed as of Wednesday.
