ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime have mutually agreed to observe a 48-hour ceasefire, beginning today at 6 p.m., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on Wednesday. The decision follows Pakistan’s recent precision strikes targeting Taliban and terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Kabul regions.
According to the Foreign Office, the ceasefire was reached with the consent of both sides at the request of the Taliban authorities.
“A temporary ceasefire has been agreed upon between the Government of Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime for the next 48 hours, starting 6 p.m. today,” the FO statement read.
“During this period, both sides will make sincere efforts to resolve this complex yet solvable issue through constructive dialogue,” it added.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the development on social media platform X, stating that Afghan forces had been instructed to adhere to the truce “unless any aggression takes place.”
Earlier in the day, state broadcaster PTV News reported that Pakistan’s armed forces conducted “precision strikes” against Taliban positions in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province and capital Kabul.
Citing security sources, PTV stated: “Pakistan Army’s retaliatory action destroyed key Taliban hideouts. The strikes successfully targeted Taliban Battalion Number 4 and Border Brigade Number 6, resulting in the deaths of numerous Afghan and foreign operatives.”
The report further said that the Pakistan Army retains “full capability to deliver a strong and decisive response to any external aggression.”
