Islamabad, October 15, 2025 — Pakistan has announced a 48-hour ceasefire along the border with Afghanistan after receiving an official request from the Afghan Taliban regime, signaling a temporary pause in hostilities following several days of heightened cross-border tensions.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ceasefire came into effect at 6 p.m. today and will remain in place for the next 48 hours. The ministry confirmed that the decision was made “in response to a formal request from the Afghan Taliban administration,” with both sides agreeing to use the pause to pursue “constructive dialogue” and explore “a peaceful resolution to ongoing issues.”
The announcement follows recent clashes in the Spin Boldak–Chaman border sector, where Pakistani forces repelled multiple assaults reportedly launched by a combination of Afghan Taliban fighters and militant elements referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij. Pakistan’s military claimed to have neutralized up to 20 attackers during retaliatory operations earlier this week, while both sides accused each other of provocations.
Sources within the Foreign Office said that the ceasefire is aimed at de-escalating tensions and providing space for diplomatic engagement. “We have chosen dialogue over confrontation,” one senior official commented, adding that Pakistan remains committed to border security but also to regional stability.
The upcoming talks are expected to take place between Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, and an Afghan delegation possibly led by the Taliban’s Foreign Minister. The discussions will reportedly focus on border management, counterterrorism cooperation, and preventing non-state actors from exploiting the frontier region.
The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan views the ceasefire as an opportunity for both sides to address mutual security concerns and restore confidence. “Our objective is a peaceful and cooperative relationship with Afghanistan, based on respect for sovereignty and non-interference,” the statement read.
Analysts interpret the move as a tactical de-escalation following one of the most serious military confrontations between Pakistani troops and Taliban forces since the latter’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. Experts also believe the involvement of Fitna al-Khawarij — a term used by Islamabad for militant groups operating under the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) — complicates the situation, as Pakistan continues to face security threats from cross-border terrorism.
While no official casualty figures have been released from the Afghan side, sources claim that civilian and trade activity across the Chaman–Spin Boldak crossing had been suspended for several days due to the violence. With the ceasefire in place, authorities hope to reopen the crossing temporarily for humanitarian and commercial movement.
Regional observers view this truce as a potential opening for broader diplomatic engagement, though skepticism remains high regarding its durability. Previous ceasefire attempts between the two sides have collapsed within days amid renewed border incidents and accusations of support for militant groups.
