PESHAWAR: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend their 48-hour ceasefire until planned peace talks conclude in Doha, security sources confirmed Friday. The extension follows deadly cross-border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured earlier this week. Both countries are now focusing on dialogue to reduce tensions.
A Pakistani delegation has already reached the Qatari capital, while Afghan representatives are expected to arrive on Saturday, according to sources familiar with the situation. These sources requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. The Afghan Taliban have confirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, provided Pakistan avoids further strikes.
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Fighting between the two sides had intensified before a temporary truce was declared on Wednesday. The clashes included ground combat and Pakistani airstrikes targeting Afghan territory. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is open to talks if Afghanistan addresses Islamabad’s security concerns, particularly regarding safe havens for militant groups.
Sharif accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), both of which Islamabad blames for rising violence. He emphasized that dialogue was possible only if Kabul showed sincerity in resolving issues through peaceful means.
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Pakistan continues to face a growing threat from militants operating along the Afghan border. The extended ceasefire now offers a critical window for both nations to explore peaceful solutions during the upcoming Doha negotiations.