Pakistan has reignited cross-border hostilities with fresh airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Paktika province, shattering a fragile 48-hour ceasefire. The aerial bombardment targeted residential areas in the Argun and Barmal districts late Friday evening, moments before the temporary truce was set to expire. Taliban officials confirmed the attacks, stating that Pakistan had violated the agreed-upon pause in violence. This aggressive move dashed hopes for de-escalation and potential diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the deep-seated disputes fueling the conflict. The brief ceasefire, initiated on Wednesday, had followed nearly a week of intense border clashes that resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, including civilians. Prior to the airstrikes, there was cautious optimism that the truce might be extended, but these hopes were swiftly extinguished. The current escalation traces back to Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul on October 9, 2025, targeting a TTP leader. This triggered retaliatory actions from Afghan forces, leading to deadly confrontations along the disputed Durand Line. The ongoing conflict is exacerbated by mutual accusations, with Pakistan alleging Afghan sanctuary for militants and Afghanistan accusing Pakistan of violating its sovereignty.
