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.