Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire after fresh border clashes and reported Pakistani air strikes in Kabul and Kandahar. Each side says the other requested the pause. The Taliban report 12 civilians killed and more than 100 wounded by Pakistani fire, while both claim heavy enemy losses that could not be verified. Explosions sent black smoke over the cities; a Kabul surgical center treated 40 people, five dead on arrival. The UN urged restraint, and China, Russia and Donald Trump called for de-escalation.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.