Ceasefire Reached Between Taliban & Pakistani Forces In Paktia After Five Days Of Clashes

After five days of intense clashes in Paktia province, Pakistani border forces and the Taliban agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday evening.

Following the ceasefire, the Kharlachi crossing, closed since Monday, 13 May, at the start of the hostilities, will reopen to traders and travellers.

Pakistani news outlet Dawn cited Jalal Bangash, a tribal elder, reporting that the ceasefire was negotiated during a jirga involving local elders, clerics, and officials from both sides. At this meeting, it was resolved to establish a joint peace committee tasked with maintaining stability along the border.

Bangash emphasised that all contentious issues would be resolved amicably. He noted that the agreement, motivated by the hardships experienced by communities on both sides of the border, ensures the swift reopening of the crossing.

The clashes, which initially erupted last Monday in Paktia province, escalated on Friday, spreading to multiple districts. Footage obtained by Afghanistan International shows significant damage to markets and residential properties due to the fighting. The severity of the clashes prompted evacuations in nearby villages and towns.

Local sources attributed the onset of the conflict to the construction of a new checkpoint by Pakistani forces at the border's zero point. Reports from local clinics in Paktia on Friday indicated that the clashes resulted in the deaths of at least five Taliban members and three civilians.