• Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire following intense border clashes that left dozens dead.
• The recent violence has strained already tense bilateral relations due to accusations of harboring militants.
• The UN has urged both countries to protect civilians and ensure compliance with international law.
• Both nations remain on high alert, with border crossings closed and casualties reported on both sides.
• Reports from Kabul indicated drone strikes by Pakistan just before the ceasefire took effect, causing civilian casualties.

After a week of intense fighting that resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a 48-hour ceasefire, effective from 6:00 PM on October 15, 2025. President Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan was ready for dialogue, presented at the request of the Afghan Taliban government, whereas the latter's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, described the ceasefire as initiated by Pakistan, emphasizing the need for mutual respect to ensure its success, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and AA.

Both sides have been engaging in mutual accusations of blame over the recent clashes. Pakistan claims that Afghan territory is being used as a refuge for militants who target its security forces while the Taliban denies these allegations and accuses Pakistan of starting the aggression. The recent fighting commenced after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of violating its airspace, leading to a cycle of retaliatory attacks and heightened military posturing across their contested frontier, as reported by BBC, Channel News Asia, and TRT Global.

The recent escalation has drawn international concern, with the UN urging for a permanent end to hostilities and compliance with international law. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported significant civilian casualties resulting from the clashes, urging both nations to take immediate measures to protect civilians. On October 16, the UN noted at least 18 Afghan civilians killed and hundreds injured since the onset of the violence, according to CBS News and Al Jazeera.

However, reports from Kabul indicated that drone strikes attributed to Pakistan targeted civilian areas just before the ceasefire took effect, resulting in civilian casualties. The Italian NGO, Emergency, stated that several patients were treated for blast-related injuries, highlighting the ongoing plight of civilians caught in the crossfire. Reports from local hospitals confirmed at least five deaths and numerous injuries following these strikes, as detailed by The Independent and India Times.

The ceasefire has so far held, with reports indicating a reduction in hostilities and renewed calls for dialogue. Islamabad continues to emphasize that the extension of the ceasefire hinges on Kabul's response to Pakistan's concerns regarding militant activity from Afghan territory. Nevertheless, key border crossings remain closed, stranding transportation and amplifying the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict, according to South China Morning Post and TRT Global.