New Delhi, March 19 -- Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a short-term cessation of hostilities over Eid al-Fitr, offering a fragile pause in a rapidly escalating conflict that has drawn international concern following a deadly airstrike in Kabul. The truce, set to run from Thursday to Monday, comes amid mounting civilian casualties, diplomatic pressure, and sharply heightened rhetoric from both sides.

The temporary ceasefire was confirmed on Wednesday by officials in Islamabad and Kabul, with both sides signalling a willingness to halt military operations during the Islamic holiday. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the pause had been requested by "brotherly Islamic countries" including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Tur...