A significant de-escalation has emerged along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as both nations and a key militant faction announced separate ceasefire agreements ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an outlawed militant organization responsible for numerous attacks, declared an unexpected three-day truce early Thursday to enable peaceful observance of the religious celebration.
This development follows Pakistan and Afghanistan’s simultaneous announcement Wednesday of a temporary cessation of hostilities until Monday night, mediated through diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. The ceasefire marks the first period of calm since late February when cross-border clashes reignited between the neighboring countries.
Mohammad Khurasani, TTP spokesperson, confirmed the militant group’s ceasefire would commence with the first day of Eid al-Fitr, expected to begin Friday pending moon sighting. The TTP, designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and United Nations, has intensified operations within Pakistan since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
The diplomatic breakthrough comes amid heightened tensions following recent airstrikes in Kabul. Afghan Taliban authorities reported 408 fatalities and 265 injuries from strikes targeting a drug rehabilitation center, though these figures remain unverified independently. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar maintained that military operations specifically targeted ammunition depots, not medical facilities.
The temporary truce represents the most significant diplomatic achievement since October, when the same mediating nations previously brokered a ceasefire arrangement between the conflicting parties.