The United Nations has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to commit to a lasting ceasefire after days of cross-border fighting left dozens dead and more than a hundred injured. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan welcomed the 48-hour truce that began on Wednesday, calling on both sides to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.
Health officials in Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak district said at least 40 civilians were killed and 170 injured just before the truce took effect. The clashes were the worst since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, following Pakistan’s strikes on Afghan territory in retaliation for attacks it blamed on militants based in Afghanistan.
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Afghanistan’s Taliban administration accused Pakistan of provoking the violence and spreading misinformation. On its part, Pakistan’s military said it had repelled an attempted assault by fighters from the Pakistan Taliban, known as TTP, during the ceasefire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Following the tensions, Pakistan has ordered the closure of Afghan refugee camps within its borders, prompting concern from the UN refugee agency. More than two million Afghans could be affected, as residents on both sides of the border call for the fragile ceasefire to be extended and for lasting peace to return to the region.
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