• Source:JND

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire across their troubled frontier after recent fighting that claimed the lives of over a dozen troops and civilians. The announcement by Pakistan's foreign ministry follows weekend fighting that killed dozens and broke a tenuous peace between the disputed 2,600-km (1,600-mile) frontier. 

The ceasefire will help reduce tensions, reduce bloodshed, and create a passage for diplomatic talks, Islamabad stated. The foreign ministry noted that the two parties will exert “genuine efforts” in order to arrive at a “favourable solution” for the “difficult but solvable problem,” according to the former.

Taliban Blames Pakistan For Fueling Violence

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid blamed Pakistan for shelling “light and heavy weapons” in the Spin Boldak district of the Kandahar province. The airstrike reportedly claimed the lives of 15 civilians and wounded over 100 persons, mostly over 80 women and children, said hospital officials. The Taliban reportedly brought heavy casualties to the Pakistani forces and captured their tanks and arms during the retaliatory measures.

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Ceasefire Reaffirmed By Taliban

A Taliban government spokesperson confirmed the ceasefire, saying it would take effect after 5:30 pm local time. Islamic Emirate instructed its troops to maintain the ceasefire “as long as the opposite side doesn't wage aggression.” The news came after reports that a Pakistani airstrike occurred in the Kandahar Province when gunfire and artillery duels broke out along the disputed border and killed additional soldiers and civilians. 

The weekend confrontations were the most intense fighting since the Taliban seized control in 2021, even though skirmishes along the borders have been commonplace. Islamabad has blamed the Taliban regime for sheltering militants behind deadly strikes inside Pakistan, while Kabul has rejected the claims.

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Durable Peace And World Worries

The ceasefire provides a slim opportunity for diplomatic intervention, but both sides have cautioned that any violence will immediately nullify the truce. Relief organisations are keeping a close eye on the developments because of the elevated number of civilian deaths in recent fighting. Commentators point out that ancient tensions and complicated security dynamics predispose the border to outbreaks.

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