Pakistan and Afghanistan are expected to reopen their border within the next 24 to 48 hours, following fresh understandings between officials from both sides. The decision is contingent on no new disputes arising, and both sides have expressed willingness to move forward cautiously.
Ceasefire Follows Deadly Week-Long Clashes
This development comes soon after a week of intense clashes along the border. The violence erupted between the night of October 11 and 12, when the Afghan Taliban and affiliated militants launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani border posts. In response, Pakistan closed the Torkham and Chaman crossings on October 12.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), more than 200 militants were killed in the clashes, whereas 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom defending the frontier.
Precision Strikes and Temporary Ceasefires
In retaliation, Pakistan conducted precision strikes to target militants inside Afghanistan, particularly in Kandahar and Kabul. A temporary ceasefire of 48 hours was first established on 15th of October at Afghanistan’s request and later extended on October 17 as delegations went to Doha, Qatar, for negotiations.
On Sunday, during talks mediated by Qatar, both Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a complete and immediate ceasefire. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif confirmed that further talks are scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul, Turkiye, to discuss in-depth matters.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also confirmed the ceasefire, calling it “meaningful and comprehensive.”
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Terrorism Identified as the Core Issue
In an interview with Al-Jazeera Arabic, Defence Minister Asif said Afghan officials admired that terrorism is the main source of friction. He kept on stressing that both countries believe eliminating terrorism is essential for restoring peace and stability along the border.
He added that failure to act decisively could threaten regional security, while success could normalize ties, resume trade, and allow Afghanistan to resume using Pakistani ports.
Hope and Relief Along the Frontier
People who are living along the tense border areas, the ceasefire has caused a sense of relief. Locals in villages such as Baizai, on the Pakistani side, say life is slowly returning to routine—shops reopening, carts returning to the streets, and a pause in fear.
“People can finally breathe,” said Sadiq Shah, a 56-year-old shopkeeper. However, he recalled that many of the houses were damaged by shelling before calm was restored. “Both sides are Muslim, both sides are Pashtun—so why fight?” he asked.
Trade at a Standstill, Goods Rotting
Economic losses are going to rise. More than 1,500 trucks loaded with following essential goods are stranded at Torkham:
- Rice
- Medicines
- Cement
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Taliban economy ministry spokesperson Abdul Rahman Habib claimed perishable goods are rotting while waiting to cross, and traders are suffering major losses. He warned that prolonged closure could drive up prices, increase unemployment, and destabilize markets.
He urged that trade should not become hostage to political tensions, emphasizing the impact on livelihoods on both sides of the border.
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