The Pakistan–Afghanistan land crossings have remained largely closed since deadly clashes on October 12, leaving Pakistani students, families, merchants and truck drivers stranded in Afghanistan. Students face separation from family, visa and financial concerns, while flights are costly and smuggling routes dangerous. Pakistan says nearly 1,200 people, including 549 students, have sought embassy assistance, and just over 300 had flown home by the end of December. The closure has also halted trade and livelihoods. Pakistan accuses Kabul of sheltering militants, which the Afghan Taliban denies; mediation has not produced an agreement, and neither government has indicated when or on what terms the border might reopen.

Residents in Kabul and Afghanistan's Spin Boldak border region are returning to damaged homes and businesses after intense clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have killed and injured civilians and troops. Afghan residents describe destruction from explosions and airstrikes, while Pakistan says it conducted precision strikes against an armed group. A temporary 48-hour truce is due to end Friday evening; Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said its continuation depends on the Taliban government, which had not immediately commented.