[Today’s Prayer] Pakistan-Afghanistan Armed Clashes, Peace Talks Collapse… “Ceasefire Maintained for Now”

Recently, the Pakistani government announced on the 29th (local time) that ceasefire negotiations with Afghanistan, following deadly armed clashes that killed dozens, have collapsed.

Ataullah Tarar, Pakistan’s Minister of the Intelligence Bureau, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the four-day ceasefire talks held in Istanbul, Turkey, had “failed to produce a viable solution.”

Minister Tarar criticized Afghanistan, saying, “The Afghan side avoided responsibility, relied on deception and schemes, and did not provide any guarantees on key issues,” and accused Afghanistan of “continuously supporting anti-Pakistan terrorists.” He added, “We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our citizens from the threat of terrorism” and “will eliminate terrorists, their hideouts, and those who sponsor and support them.”

In response, Afghan state media RTA claimed that Afghanistan “did its best for constructive talks,” but suggested that “Pakistan did not seem to have such intentions.”

Earlier, on the 9th, the Pakistani army targeted TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) leadership in Kabul, alleging that TTP militants were hiding in Afghanistan while carrying out attacks in Pakistan. On the 11th, Afghan Taliban forces clashed with Pakistani troops along the border, resulting in dozens of deaths on both sides. This marked the worst armed conflict between the two countries since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

The two countries had previously agreed to a 48-hour temporary ceasefire from the 15th, followed by a ceasefire agreement mediated by Qatar and Turkey on the 18th. Talks were held starting on the 25th to implement the ceasefire and transition to a sustainable peace framework.

However, according to Pakistani security sources, the Afghan Taliban regime showed no willingness to control the hostile TTP and refused Pakistan’s request to guarantee that TTP would not use Afghan territory to attack Pakistan, causing the negotiations to stall.

Afghan sources told Reuters that Afghanistan conveyed it could not control TTP. Nevertheless, both sides are reportedly still maintaining the ceasefire despite the breakdown in talks.

Source: Nate News

"Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’" (2 Timothy 2:19)

Heavenly Father, we hear the sorrowful news that negotiations for a sustainable peace framework amid the continued armed clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces have ultimately failed.

Lord, since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the ongoing conflicts and terrorist activities have caused countless deaths and suffering. You know the hearts of the people in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Grant eternal comfort, strength, and protection to those whose spirits are weary and wounded.

We pray that You break the power of the Taliban and halt all unjust rule, control, and hostile attacks that are apart from You. May Afghanistan and Pakistan be reborn through the truth of Your Word, and may Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace who destroyed every barrier of enmity on the cross—rule over these two nations.

Open the eyes and ears of the Afghan and Pakistani people so that they may recognize eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, not through the vain doctrines of Islam. Send messengers of the Gospel to reach them and bring them to trust in You alone.

May the global Church, alongside Pakistani believers, mourn with them, sow seeds of prayer, and call upon Your name. Let Your firm foundation be established, all injustice removed, and let Your mighty power bring resolution to the issues binding Afghanistan and Pakistan.

So that the parched lands of Afghanistan and Pakistan may be revived by Your Word, yielding thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold harvest. May these nations rise as soldiers of the Gospel, declaring Your kingdom and advancing Your message to all nations!