Pakistan has agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire at the request of the Afghan Taliban amid recent border hostilities between the two countries, officials said on Wednesday.
Sources confirmed that the Taliban had repeatedly requested a temporary ceasefire from Pakistan.
According to the Foreign Office, the ceasefire will begin today (Wednesday) at 6pm with mutual consent from both sides.
The Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that constructive dialogue will take place during the ceasefire to reach a positive and workable resolution of border tensions.
Earlier, in response to recent cross-border aggression by the Afghan Taliban and allied extremist groups, the Pakistan Army carried out effective counter-operations targeting key military positions in Kandahar, Kabul in Afghanistan, and Kurram, Spin Boldak, and Chaman along the Afghan border.
Earlier, responding to aggression by the Afghan Taliban and allied extremists, Pakistan’s security forces carried out targeted operations in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Kabul provinces, officials said on Wednesday.
According to security sources, the strikes targeted hideouts of the Afghan Taliban and the Kharijite extremist group.
In Kandahar, Taliban Battalion Headquarters No. 4 and No. 8 were specifically hit, along with key positions of Border Brigade No. 5.
Officials confirmed that the operations successfully neutralised militant targets while avoiding civilian areas.
In Kabul, the strikes targeted the headquarters and leadership of the extremist group Fitna Al Hindustan.
Quoting security sources, a report stated that precision strikes were used to target multiple significant Taliban hideouts, which were completely destroyed.
The operation specifically targeted Taliban “Battalion No. 4” and “Border Brigade No. 6,” which were fully neutralised, the report said.
Security sources said several important Taliban hideouts were completely destroyed in the strikes.
Initial reports indicate that dozens of Afghan and foreign militants were killed in the attacks.
The action was based on precise intelligence, which allowed the army to hit concealed terrorist locations effectively.
Officials emphasised that the Pakistan Army has the full capability to respond effectively and immediately to any external threat or aggression, and national security will not be compromised.
Meanwhile, the security forces killed 30 terrorists during an operation in the Mohmand area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Wednesday.
According to sources, the militants were sent by the Afghan Taliban, and Pakistan’s security forces successfully disrupted their group before they could execute planned attacks.
Earlier, in Chaman and Spin Boldak areas, Pakistani forces thwarted attacks by the Afghan Taliban and allied extremist groups, killing around 15–20 militants.
The sources said the attacks occurred early morning at three different locations, but timely and effective countermeasures forced the attackers to retreat.
Officials added that Taliban fighters were using villagers and civilians as shields, requiring extreme caution during operations.
Afghan militants also damaged the Pak-Afghan Friendship Gate, reflecting their disregard for local trade and cross-border movement.
Meanwhile, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistani strikes with light and heavy weapons in Spin Boldak, Kandahar, killed at least 12 Afghan civilians and injured over 100.
The Pakistan Army also foiled another Taliban attack in the Kurram area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa overnight.
Security sources said eight Taliban posts and six tanks were destroyed, several militants were killed, and US-made weapons were seized.
Following the operation, the situation in Kurram remains calm.
Separately, Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire in Chaman, injuring four civilians, including two children, who were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital.
Pakistani troops responded by targeting Taliban hideouts in Weish Mandi and Spin Boldak, killing two militants and injuring ten others.
Officials confirmed that firing has subsided and security has been tightened in the area.
Due to the ongoing tension in Chaman, all educational institutions were closed and the polio vaccination campaign was temporarily suspended.
Security forces have increased border patrols to prevent any untoward incidents.
Officials said the effective operations by the Pakistan Army have disrupted Taliban and extremist plots, and relevant authorities remain active to restore and maintain peace in the region.
