Pakistan, Afghanistan declare 48-hour ceasefire: Dozens killed in border clashes – who asked for truce first?

Both countries declare ceasefire

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a 48-hour temporary ceasefire beginning Wednesday evening, following a week of intense cross-border hostilities that left dozens dead on both sides and significantly strained already fragile bilateral ties, reported Pakistan daily Dawn.The Pakistan foreign office (FO) confirmed the development, stating that the truce was arranged “with the mutual consent of both parties” at the request of the Afghan Taliban regime.“During this period, both sides will make sincere efforts to find a positive solution to this complex but solvable issue through constructive dialogue,” the FO said, as quoted by the daily.Also read: Fierce Pakistan-Afghanistan border clash rages on; fresh visuals show intense shelling – Top developmentsThe announcement came hours after Pakistan carried out precision strikes targeting key Taliban positions in Kandahar and Kabul, in response to attacks from Afghan territory that reportedly killed 23 Pakistani soldiers and injured 29 others, according to the military’s media wing, inter-services public relations (ISPR).Afghan Taliban government spokesperson echoed Islambad’s stanmce on ceasefire but contrdicted on what might have led to it, stating: “At request of Pakistani side, a ceasefire between the two countries will take place this evening.” He added, “Islamic Emirate also directs forces to observe ceasefire, provided other side does not commit aggression,” reported Reuters.Also read: ‘Military post, tanks destroyed’; Pakistan troops, Taliban forces clash again – new visuals emergePTV News, quoting security sources, reported that the Pakistan army destroyed key hideouts of Taliban’s battalion headquarters No 4 and 8, and border brigades 5 and 6 in Kandahar, adding that: “All these targets were meticulously selected, isolated from civilian populations, and successfully destroyed.” Strikes were later confirmed in Kabul.The escalation follows a string of border skirmishes beginning last weekend, including an attack in the Spin Boldak area of Balochistan on Wednesday. The ISPR stated that the Taliban launched coordinated attacks at four points, which were “effectively repulsed” by Pakistani forces. Around 15–20 attackers were killed, it added.