Who Blinked First? Pakistan Seeks Ceasefire with Afghanistan

A 48-hour ceasefire has brought a temporary calm along the Durand Line after deadly clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan this week. Hundreds died during the conflict, with Pakistan deploying fighter jets and drones, while Taliban fighters overran border posts. But who actually called for the ceasefire first?

Sources indicate conflicting claims. Afghan officials, including Ali Mohammad Haqmal, stated that Pakistani forces requested a halt after suffering losses. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid echoed this, claiming Pakistan sought the truce. Pakistan’s Foreign Office, however, described the ceasefire as “implemented at the Taliban’s request and with mutual consent,” set for 48 hours. Afghanistan reportedly treated it as open-ended until violated.

Mediation played a crucial role. Though neither side confirmed an external mediator, reports suggest Qatar helped facilitate the understanding. Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received messages from Qatar commending Pakistan’s “constructive engagement.” Pakistani officials also reached out to Saudi Arabia and Qatar for urgent intervention.

The ceasefire is fragile, as no formal mechanism exists for sustained dialogue between the Taliban-led Afghan government and Pakistan. The Durand Line, drawn during colonial rule, remains a historic point of contention, splitting Pashtun homelands and fueling decades of tension.

Earlier clashes worsened after Pakistan accused the Taliban of harboring TTP militants, while Afghanistan countered by alleging Pakistan sheltered IS-linked fighters. Recent fighting saw heavy casualties on both sides, and previous truces quickly collapsed.

Given Islamabad’s requests for third-party mediation and earlier patterns of de-escalation, it appears that Pakistan blinked first, seeking an end to hostilities after the Afghanistan-Pakistan border war escalated.