ISLAMABAD, October 16, 2025 – Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire following deadly cross-border clashes that escalated dangerously this week, threatening to ignite a wider regional conflict. The truce, brokered with Qatar’s assistance, began on Wednesday evening after back-channel diplomacy.
The Pakistani Foreign Office confirmed that the ceasefire was initiated at the Taliban’s request and with mutual consent. However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the request came from Pakistan, highlighting differing narratives.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a message from H.E. Dr. M. Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi @Dr_Al_Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, regarding the regional situation.
Dr. Al-Khulaifi appreciated Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/7cwJJj6x3W
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 15, 2025
The ceasefire comes after fierce overnight fighting in the Chaman sector, where Taliban fighters launched coordinated attacks on Pakistani border posts, injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure. Pakistan retaliated with deep strikes targeting militant camps in Kandahar and Spin Boldak, reportedly killing at least 20 Taliban fighters and injuring dozens more.
Meanwhile, two explosions in Kabul’s Taimani area raised further tensions. While the Taliban blamed an oil tanker fire, state-run PTV reported “precision strikes” targeting Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leadership.
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Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif cast doubt on the truce’s longevity, calling the Afghan Taliban a “proxy of Delhi.” Speaking to Geo News, he warned of a strong response if hostilities resumed: “We don’t want war, but we will retaliate if attacked.”
Diplomatic sources credited Qatar with facilitating the ceasefire, while Saudi Arabia reportedly played a role in earlier backdoor negotiations.
This is the second ceasefire since Oct 11, when tensions surged following Taliban attacks that martyred 23 Pakistani soldiers. Islamabad has since accused the Taliban regime of harbouring the TTP and failing to curb cross-border terrorism.
