Tensions on the Pakistan and Afghanistan border have mounted as the former allies have been involved in a conflict leading to deadly clashes. A ceasefire was announced on Wednesday, as confirmed by officials from both sides.
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan on Wednesday informed that the ceasefire will be implemented from 6 pm local time for the next 48 hours. The Ministry further responded that both sides will find a solution to the standoff, which seems complex. Taliban’s chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also informed via a social media post that the authorities will consider a truce with the Pakistani authorities, but he did not, however, mention the 48-hour deadline.
The ceasefire was announced after the deaths of several innocent people in the border areas of Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district and Pakistan’s Chaman district. As both sides continued to blame each other for the clashes. According to an Italian NGO running in Kabul, it was reported that at least five people have died and 35 were injured during explosions before the truce with Pakistan came into effect.
The Mujahid has accused Pakistan of carrying out explosions in the border area that killed 12 civilians and injured 100 others. Mujahid also claimed that this move was reciprocated by killing Pakistani soldiers and destroying Pakistani installations on the border. Pakistan authorities, on the other hand, have blamed Mujahid for being the first one to attack the military installations and leaving four civilians injured.
Locals report that the clashes have forced several people to leave their houses in the border areas. The clashes have been stopped as of Sunday, after the appeal from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. But as per the news agency Al Jazeera, border crossings between the countries remain closed.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have heightened, especially in the backdrop of Afghanistan’s growing affinity with Pakistan’s archrival, India.
