Intense fighting has erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, leaving dozens dead and exacerbating already strained diplomatic ties. The confrontation began late Saturday when Afghan forces, under Taliban control, initiated hostilities against Pakistani military positions. Kabul stated these actions were a direct reprict for alleged Pakistani airstrikes conducted in Afghanistan earlier in the week.
Conflicting casualty reports emerged from both sides, with each country claiming to have inflicted more significant losses on the adversary. Border crossings were swiftly shut down on Sunday as tensions escalated dramatically.
Here’s a breakdown of the critical developments: The Afghan government reported that their forces attacked Pakistani positions in retaliation for Pakistani air raids on Kabul and a market in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday night. Pakistan has yet to confirm its involvement in these bombings. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, affirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to defending its territory.
Figures for the deceased and injured differ dramatically. Afghan officials claimed 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and around 30 wounded. In contrast, Pakistan reported 23 of its soldiers lost their lives, but stated that over 200 Taliban and allied fighters were eliminated in the subsequent exchange of fire. Independent confirmation of these numbers is currently unavailable.
The relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has been deeply troubled since 2021. Pakistan frequently alleges that the Taliban regime provides sanctuary to militants, notably members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who are held responsible for numerous attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has consistently denied these claims. The two nations are separated by the Durand Line, a 2,611-kilometer frontier that Afghanistan has never officially recognized.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan strongly denounced the Afghan “provocations” and promised a robust response. “There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence, and every provocation will be met with a strong and effective response,” he stated, accusing the Afghan leadership of allowing their soil to be used by “terrorist elements.”
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi issued a warning, suggesting that Afghanistan has “other options” if Pakistan rejects dialogue. He implied that certain elements in Pakistan, possibly within the military, were actively trying to damage relations. Pakistan’s foreign minister urged the Taliban to take action against militant groups threatening regional stability. International mediation, reportedly involving Qatar and Saudi Arabia, appears to have helped halt the border strikes.