US President Donald Trump has said that if required, he could “easily solve” the long-standing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, stressing that his priority is to prevent wars and save lives.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump remarked, “I love stopping wars, I love stopping people from dying, and I have saved millions of lives.” He added that while his primary responsibility is running the United States, he remains committed to global peace efforts.
The statement comes in the backdrop of recent border clashes on October 15 and 16, during which both Pakistan and Afghanistan reported heavy casualties. According to the Pakistani military, 23 people, including security personnel, were killed in attacks launched from across the border. Pakistan also claimed that its retaliatory operations resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Taliban fighters inside Afghanistan. These figures, however, could not be independently verified.
Following two days of intense fighting, both countries agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire starting Wednesday. On Friday evening, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed to BBC Urdu that the truce had been extended, though Pakistani officials have not yet issued a statement on the matter.
The fragile pause in hostilities highlights the volatility of the region, where cross-border tensions have repeatedly derailed peace efforts. Analysts note that while Trump’s remarks reflect his trademark confidence, the ground realities remain complex, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and harboring militant groups.
Observers believe that the extension of the ceasefire, if honored, could provide a window for dialogue. However, the absence of an official confirmation from Islamabad leaves uncertainty about how long the calm will last.
For now, the situation remains tense, but the acknowledgment of the ceasefire by the Taliban through BBC Urdu suggests that at least one side is signaling readiness for temporary restraint. Whether this leads to a sustainable peace process is yet to be seen.