Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to 48-Hour Ceasefire

Border Conflict Escalates Before Temporary Truce

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire following days of intense border clashes that have resulted in dozens of casualties on both sides. The ceasefire, which took effect at 17:30 local time on October 15, 2025, comes after escalating violence that saw both countries exchange fire across multiple border locations.

Ceasefire Announcement and Terms

According to a statement from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 'During this period, both parties will sincerely endeavor through constructive dialogue to find a positive solution to this complex but resolvable issue.' The announcement came after both countries claimed the ceasefire was requested by the other side, highlighting the diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the temporary truce on social media platform X, stating 'authorities have ordered all troops to respect the ceasefire after 17:30, unless there is aggression.' This conditional language indicates the fragile nature of the agreement between the two neighboring nations.

Recent Escalation and Casualties

The violence escalated significantly in recent days, with Pakistan conducting airstrikes on Afghanistan's Kandahar province and the outskirts of Kabul. Just before the ceasefire announcement, large smoke plumes were visible in Kabul's suburbs following what Taliban officials described as an exploded fuel tanker, though Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to Al Jazeera reports, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistani forces killed 12-15 civilians and injured over 100 people, including 80 women and children. Pakistan's military stated it repelled attacks from Afghan Taliban forces, killing 15-20 militants while losing six soldiers.

Historical Context and Root Causes

The current conflict has deep historical roots dating back to Pakistan's independence in 1947. Afghanistan was the only country to vote against Pakistan's admission to the United Nations, and tensions have persisted over the disputed Durand Line border established in 1893.

Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad claims is responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. According to Al Jazeera documentation, the TTP has been responsible for at least 2,414 fatalities in Pakistan during the first three quarters of 2025 alone.

Humanitarian Impact and Border Closures

The fighting has had severe humanitarian consequences, with residents near the border forced to flee their homes. Both countries have closed their shared borders, effectively halting trade and movement between the two nations. Local residents reported houses being fired upon and many civilians caught in the crossfire.

As one border resident told reporters, 'We never expected such violence between neighbors. Our families have lived here for generations, and now we must leave everything behind.'

Regional Implications

The conflict represents one of the most serious escalations between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Regional analysts warn that continued instability could have broader implications for South Asian security.

As the 48-hour ceasefire progresses, international observers are watching closely to see if diplomatic channels can produce a more lasting solution to the long-standing border disputes that have plagued relations between these two neighbors for decades.