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Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to temporary ceasefire amid escalating border clashes
A temporary ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan is set to take effect this on Wednesday evening following days of deadly cross-border clashes.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, confirmed that the ceasefire would begin after 5:30 pm local time, following a request from the Pakistani government.
Mujahid said IEA forces have been instructed to observe the ceasefire “as long as no aggression is initiated by the other side.”
The announcement comes after a sharp escalation in violence along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with recent Pakistani airstrikes reported in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province. In response, IEA forces reportedly targeted Pakistani military outposts, prompting the closure of key border crossings and raising fears of a broader conflict.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed the agreement, stating that a “48-hour ceasefire” would begin at 6 pm Pakistan time. The ministry added that both countries would use the temporary truce to engage in dialogue aimed at de-escalating the situation.
“Pakistan has always emphasized peaceful resolution of issues through dialogue,” the ministry said in a statement. “We hope this temporary measure will lead to more durable arrangements to prevent future hostilities.”
The recent hostilities are rooted in longstanding tensions over militancy in the region. Islamabad accuses the IEA government of harboring members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for numerous attacks inside Pakistan. The IEA denies these allegations and claims it does not allow Afghan soil to be used against other countries.
Analysts warn that the ceasefire remains fragile, especially given the lack of trust and the conditional nature of both sides’ commitments. Mujahid emphasized that the IEA would continue to observe the ceasefire only if Pakistan refrains from initiating further attacks.
The truce follows weeks of rising cross-border tensions that have disrupted trade, displaced civilians, and drawn concern from regional and international observers. Key crossings such as Torkham have been closed during the conflict, dealing a blow to Afghanistan’s already struggling economy.
It remains unclear whether this ceasefire will hold beyond the initial 48-hour period or lead to substantive diplomatic engagement. However, the agreement marks a temporary pause in what had become one of the most dangerous flare-ups between the two neighbors in recent years.
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Afghanistan committed to continued cooperation with UN on humanitarian and development projects: FM Muttaqi
According to the ministry, during the meeting Lemarquis shared his views on improving the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan says Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has met with Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of UNAMA and Humanitarian Coordinator, for an introductory meeting.
According to the ministry, during the meeting Lemarquis shared his views on improving the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.
The Afghan Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian aid while also stressing the need to implement development and infrastructure projects across the country. He reiterated that the Islamic Emirate will continue its necessary cooperation with the United Nations in this regard.
Lemarquis thanked the Foreign Minister for the meeting and pledged to make full efforts in carrying out his responsibilities. He also highlighted the importance of expanding engagement and cooperation in various sectors between the two sides.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
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