China has welcomed the ongoing ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, expressing its willingness to play a constructive role in improving ties between the two neighboring countries and ensuring long-term regional peace.
In a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing voiced support for “mutual restraint” and called for a “comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.” The statement also underscored China’s readiness to contribute to peace-building efforts aimed at stabilising the region and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to end hostilities and focus on protecting civilians. The UN body stressed the importance of a durable solution to the cross-border tensions.
The 48-hour ceasefire, which began on Wednesday following deadly exchanges at the Spin Boldak border crossing, appears to be largely holding and is expected to last until Thursday evening. However, incidents on Thursday have raised fresh concerns over its viability.
In a major security development, Pakistani forces thwarted a cross-border infiltration attempt in the Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to official sources, 40 to 50 militants were neutralized in the operation. Crucially, the infiltrators were identified as members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), raising serious questions about the Taliban’s commitment to the ceasefire or its actual control beyond Kabul.
A similar attempt was foiled in the same region just a day earlier, with Pakistani forces killing at least 30 terrorists who had tried to breach the border.
These infiltration attempts came shortly after Pakistan carried out targeted strikes against militant hideouts inside Afghanistan, reportedly hitting positions linked to the TTP and the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). Following these operations, the Afghan Taliban had requested a temporary ceasefire.
The recent surge in border hostilities has further strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, even as regional and international actors—including China—urge de-escalation and dialogue. The situation along the border remains tense and closely monitored.
