ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-Afghanistan border is likely to reopen within the next one to two days, diplomatic sources told.
Officials from both countries have reportedly reached an understanding to resume operations at the border, which has remained closed following recent hostilities.
Pakistani authorities said that if no fresh dispute arises, the Torkham crossing will reopen soon to restore trade and travel between the two neighbours.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan spiked after Taliban and allied militants launched coordinated overnight assaults on Pakistani border posts on October 11–12, 2025. The Pakistan Army responded with a strong counterattack, killing several assailants and capturing multiple positions.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Afghan Taliban and India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij carried out “an unprovoked assault” involving cross-border firing and limited raids aimed at destabilizing border regions and supporting terrorism under FAK’s designs.
The ISPR said Pakistan’s armed forces, acting in self-defence, effectively repelled the aggression across multiple sectors, inflicting heavy losses on Taliban fighters and their affiliates.
Precision strikes targeted Taliban camps, posts, training centers, and networks linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan, and ISKP/Daesh, with efforts made to avoid civilian casualties.
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ceasefire
Following several days of fighting, the Afghan Taliban administration reportedly sought Qatar’s mediation to open dialogue with Pakistan. Diplomatic sources confirmed that Kabul officially requested Doha to facilitate communication between the two sides.
Qatar conveyed the message to Islamabad, which thanked the Gulf nation for its role but made clear that talks could only proceed if Afghanistan ensures its territory is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.
“Negotiations cannot move forward as long as Afghan soil continues to be used for terrorist activities inside Pakistan,” a senior Pakistani official said, reiterating Islamabad’s position.