ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime have agreed to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire, effective from 6 p.m. Wednesday, following days of intense cross-border fighting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
“At the request of the Taliban regime, and with mutual consent between the Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan, it has been decided to implement a temporary ceasefire for the next 48 hours starting from 6 p.m. today,” the Foreign Office said.
It added that during the ceasefire period, both sides would engage in constructive discussions to find a “positive and lasting resolution to this complex yet solvable issue.”
The ceasefire announcement followed Pakistan Army’s precision strikes in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, which targeted key militant hideouts linked to the Afghan Taliban. According to security sources, Battalion No. 4 and Border Brigade No. 6 of the Taliban were “completely destroyed,” resulting in heavy militant losses.
Following Pakistan’s strong countermeasures, security sources report relative calm along the Chaman–Spin Boldak and Kurram border sectors. However, intelligence suggests regrouping of militants inside Afghan territory.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's office early on Thursday morning, the premier expressed concern over provocations on the Pak-Afghan border.
The statement on X also paid tribute to security forces for foiling the Afghan Taliban attack in Kurram.
"The Afghan Taliban were given a befitting response by the Pakistan Army in retaliation for their unprovoked aggression," the statement said.
"The territorial integrity of the country will be defended in all circumstances. The use of Afghan soil for terrorist incidents in Pakistan is highly condemnable," PM Sharif said.
Analysts urge caution, stress need for restraint
Retired Brigadier Babar Alauddin, a defence analyst, welcomed the ceasefire as a “necessary pause,” but warned that Pakistan’s restraint should not be misinterpreted.
“Pakistan has shown great patience and respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, but repeated cross-border attacks are unacceptable,” he tokld Pakistan TV.
“This truce is in the best interest of both countries and their people, it should have come earlier.”
He added that the ceasefire reflects the Taliban’s realization of the consequences of continued aggression.
“Once Pakistan retaliated decisively, it sent a clear message. The request for a ceasefire shows they’ve understood that message,” Alauddin noted.
While talking to Pakistan TV, Security analyst Ehtasham-ul-Haq described the ceasefire as “fragile,” warning that past experiences suggest it may not hold unless the Afghan side reins in its militant affiliates.
“Each time they face defeat, they return to the negotiating table,” he said. “If the Taliban truly want peace, they must stop allowing their soil to be used against Pakistan.”
He further emphasized that lasting stability requires addressing the issue of cross-border militancy and refugee management, which Pakistan views as central to its national security.
While the 48-hour ceasefire offers a brief respite, analysts say both sides face a narrow window to translate this truce into dialogue. With tensions still high and forces on alert, the coming days will test whether diplomacy can hold where firepower could not.
President meets PM, Field Marshal
Later in the day, President Zardari met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at President House, reviewing matters of national significance, including the prevailing political and security situation, and recent regional as well as international developments affecting strategic and economic interests.
"The Prime Minister apprised the President of his recent visits to Egypt and Malaysia, including his engagements with international leaders and efforts for peace in Gaza," a press release issued by the Press Information Department said.
It added that the president and the premier also "held a one-on-one discussion, during which they exchanged views on key national priorities and the overall direction of government policies," agreeing to continue political consultations on matters of national importance.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also briefed President Zardari on the ongoing situation, assuring that Pakistan’s borders remain fully secure and that the armed forces are maintaining heightened vigilance.
President Zardari reiterated his confidence in the military’s preparedness and affirmed that Pakistan will continue to respond firmly to any future provocations.
