48-hour ceasefire after Pakistan pounds terrorist targets in Kabul, Kandahar

Following days of intense cross-border fighting, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, effective f...

Following days of intense cross-border fighting, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime reached a temporary ceasefire agreement, effective from 6:00 PM on Wednesday. The 48-hour cessation of hostilities aims to pave the way for constructive dialogue and a lasting resolution to the ongoing tensions.

The announcement of the ceasefire came shortly after reports of Pakistan Army's targeted strikes within Afghanistan. These strikes, focused on Kandahar province, specifically targeted militant hideouts allegedly linked to the Afghan Taliban. According to security sources, the operation resulted in significant damage to Taliban infrastructure, including the purported destruction of Battalion No. 4 and Border Brigade No. 6, and inflicting heavy losses on militant personnel.

Pakistan’s military operations extended beyond Kandahar, with reported strikes in Kabul aimed at what were described as Afghan Taliban and Khawarij hideouts. Security sources indicated that targets in Kandahar included Afghan Taliban Battalion Headquarters No. 4, Battalion 8, and Border Brigade No. 5. These targets were reportedly selected to minimize civilian casualties and were successfully destroyed. In Kabul, the operation focused on the leadership and central hub of what was termed "Fitna al-Hindustan."

Prior to the strikes, Pakistan's military reported successfully repelling an attack by the Afghan Taliban in the Spin Boldak area of Balochistan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani security forces inflicted casualties on the attacking forces, claiming to have killed 15 to 20 Afghan Taliban fighters and injured several others.

The ISPR statement further elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the Spin Boldak incident. It asserted that the attack was launched through villages, disregarding the safety of the civilian population. The statement also accused the Afghan Taliban of destroying the Pak-Afghan Friendship Gate, symbolizing a disregard for mutual trade and the rights of divided tribes in the region.

• The ISPR also addressed a separate incident that occurred on the night of October 14-15.
  • During that event, Afghan Taliban and Fitna Al Khwarij fighters allegedly attempted to attack Pakistani border posts in the Kurram Sector of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • These attacks were reportedly repelled, resulting in significant losses for the attacking forces.
  • The statement claimed that eight posts, including six tanks, were destroyed in the Pakistani response, and that an estimated 25-30 Afghan Taliban and Fitna Al Khwarij fighters were killed.

The ISPR firmly denied allegations that Pakistan initiated the attacks, dismissing claims of capturing Pakistani posts or equipment as "outrageous and blatant lies." The statement emphasized the readiness of Pakistan's armed forces to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, vowing to respond to any acts of aggression with full force.

In a separate incident, the Pakistan Army reported responding to unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban and Khwarij fighters in the Kurram Sector. Security sources claimed that retaliatory fire from the Pakistan Army inflicted heavy losses on Taliban posts, including the destruction of a fourth tank position at the Shamshad Post within an hour. Militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij and the Taliban reportedly fled their positions in panic. Security sources further stated that an important commander of Fitna al-Khawarij was reportedly killed in the retaliatory response.

Security sources detailed further strikes against Taliban and Fitna al Khwarij positions. These strikes reportedly destroyed multiple tank positions at the Nargsar post in Afghanistan's Khost province, resulting in casualties among the fighters. According to these sources, the post was subsequently abandoned. A Taliban post was allegedly observed raising a white flag before its fighters retreated. Additionally, a sixth tank and its crew were reportedly destroyed at Turkmanzai Top.

Furthermore, a training camp linked to Kharji Malik Naeem, located opposite the Polsen Post, was reportedly completely destroyed.

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the cross-border attacks launched from Afghan territory on Pakistani border posts in Spin Boldak and Kurram. The President described the attacks as a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, deeming them an unacceptable act of aggression. He commended the Pakistani armed forces for their professionalism and valor in repelling the assaults and defending the country's borders.

President Zardari asserted that the Afghan Taliban regime continues to violate the Doha Accord by providing safe havens to terrorist groups that attack regional countries, destabilizing the entire region, including Pakistan. He further stated that the regime has failed to establish a broad-based and representative government in Afghanistan and continues to monopolize power, excluding other political and ethnic groups.

The President called upon authorities in Kabul to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for acts of terrorism or hostility against Pakistan. He emphasized that such provocations undermine regional peace and the long-standing bonds between the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's desire for peaceful and cooperative relations with all its neighbors, but asserted that any act of aggression would be met with a firm and resolute response.