Pakistan Announces 48-Hour Ceasefire on Afghan Taliban’s Request
Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to a 48-hour temporary ceasefire, following a direct request from the Taliban regime in Kabul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced on Wednesday.
According to the official statement, the ceasefire will begin at 6 p.m. this evening. Both sides have mutually consented to halt hostilities for the next two days.
“At the request of the Afghan Taliban regime, and with mutual consent, Pakistan and the Taliban have agreed to a temporary ceasefire for 48 hours, effective from 6 p.m.,” the Foreign Office said.
During this short truce, Pakistan and the Taliban plan to engage in constructive dialogue to seek a positive and lasting solution to the ongoing border tensions. Officials described this pause as a “confidence-building measure” that could open the door to broader peace talks.
Context of Escalation
The announcement follows weeks of cross-border clashes that intensified after recent strikes on Taliban positions in Kandahar and Spin Boldak. Pakistan’s forces launched precision operations targeting militant strongholds that, according to officials, were used to plan infiltration attempts and attacks inside Pakistani territory.
Over the past several days, both nations exchanged heavy fire along multiple border points, including Mohmand, Bajaur, and Kurram. The clashes resulted in significant casualties on both sides and raised concerns of a wider confrontation.
Efforts Toward De-escalation
Diplomatic channels in Doha and Islamabad have remained active since the violence escalated. Sources confirmed that Qatar and Saudi Arabia played a quiet mediating role, urging both parties to show restraint and open dialogue.
The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan seeks regional peace and stability, not confrontation. “Pakistan remains committed to maintaining peaceful and cooperative relations with all neighbors, including Afghanistan,” the statement added.
Next Steps
Talks between senior Pakistani officials and Afghan representatives are expected to take place during the 48-hour ceasefire window. Analysts see this as a critical test of the Afghan Taliban’s willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations.
If successful, the ceasefire could pave the way for a longer truce or a formal peace framework to address cross-border militancy and infiltration issues.
