Islamabad–Kabul Ceasefire on Brink as Pakistan Vows to Eliminate Terror Threat

Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to “eliminate terrorism” as a temporary ceasefire with authorities in Kabul nears its deadline, signaling a possible return to intensified conflict. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad’s security approach remains unchanged despite the brief pause in hostilities.

The ceasefire, agreed last week during the Eid al-Fitr holidays, temporarily halted weeks of escalating clashes between Pakistan and Taliban forces. However, officials on both sides have indicated that the truce may not be extended, raising concerns about renewed cross-border violence.

In a message marking Pakistan Day, Dar stressed that military actions, including operations inside Afghanistan territory, are aimed at countering terrorist threats. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this stance, describing such actions as a reflection of Pakistan’s national resolve to safeguard its security.

Tensions remain high following recent incidents, including Taliban claims that Pakistani shelling killed a civilian in Kunar province. Islamabad, meanwhile, continues to accuse Kabul of harboring militant groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it says carry out attacks inside Pakistan from Afghanistan soil, claims the Taliban deny.

The current ceasefire followed a deadly Pakistani strike in Kabul, which Taliban authorities said killed over 400 people at a rehabilitation center. The incident significantly escalated hostilities and deepened mistrust between the two sides.

The latest round of clashes traces back to February, after multiple mediation attempts by regional actors, including Gulf countries and China, failed to produce lasting de-escalation. Since then, sporadic fighting and cross-border strikes have intensified, highlighting the fragility of relations.

The broader regional context has also shifted, with Gulf states increasingly focused on tensions involving Iran and recent US and Israeli actions, reducing diplomatic attention on the Pakistan-Afghanistan crisis. This has further complicated efforts to sustain dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul.

With the ceasefire on the brink of expiration and both sides maintaining hardened positions, the risk of renewed escalation between Pakistan and the Taliban remains high, threatening further instability across the already volatile region.

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