Pakistan and Afghanistan declared a temporary suspension of cross-border hostilities on Wednesday (18 March), following a deadly airstrike in Kabul that Afghan authorities said killed hundreds at the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital.

The pause coincides with Eid al-Fitr and comes at the request of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, which have mediated ceasefires between the neighbours.

Key developments:

• Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the pause would run from Wednesday midnight to Monday midnight, with operations resuming if attacks occur.

• Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid did not set a time frame, warning Kabul will “respond courageously” to aggression.

• Afghan authorities report 408 deaths and 265 wounded from Monday’s airstrike; Pakistan rejects civilian casualty claims, citing military targets.

• Fighting has escalated since February, amid accusations over militant sanctuaries and previous cross-border strikes.

ℹ️ AP News

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Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Siddiqullah Alizai)
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