The conflict along their shared 2,600-km frontier escalated significantly: Pakistan launched air-strikes into Afghanistan’s Paktika province, killing at least 10 civilians, including three Afghan cricketers, according to Afghan officials. 
Pakistan asserted the strikes targeted militant hideouts linked to the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP); Afghanistan denied harbouring such groups and accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty.

• This truce offers a window of de-escalation, which is crucial given the high stakes: civilian casualties, regional instability, militant safe-havens, and international concern.

• For both countries, the agreement signals a recognition that prolonged conflict along the border is unsustainable.

• Regional mediators like Qatar and Turkey gaining prominence reflect changing diplomacy patterns in South Asia.

• For third parties (like India, other neighbours), this could shift focus and open space for new regional security frameworks.