Fresh airstrikes by Pakistan into Afghanistan on Friday evening have terminated a fragile two-day ceasefire, escalating tensions along their shared border. The attacks specifically impacted residential areas in Paktika province, violating an agreement made just two days prior to pause deadly violence. According to media outlets, Pakistani military aircraft carried out bombing operations in the Argun and Barmal districts, hitting civilian neighborhoods. Afghan Taliban officials confirmed the airstrikes, declaring that Islamabad had breached the truce. The bombings occurred shortly before the ceasefire’s official expiration, eliminating any possibility for the temporary pause to lead to sustained de-escalation or diplomatic dialogue concerning their persistent disputes. The brief 48-hour truce began Wednesday at 6:00 PM Islamabad time, following a week of severe border clashes that resulted in dozens of fatalities among both military personnel and civilians. Earlier on Friday, there had been indications that the ceasefire might be extended, fostering a sense of cautious optimism for peaceful resolution, but this sentiment evaporated as Pakistani aircraft entered Afghan airspace. The current conflict trajectory was set in motion by Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul on October 9, 2025, targeting a TTP leader in retaliation for TTP attacks on Pakistani soldiers. This led to retaliatory actions by Afghan Taliban forces, escalating localized skirmishes into deadly confrontations. The core of the conflict lies in the disputed Durand Line and the issue of militants crossing it, perpetuating animosity between the two nations.
