Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated dramatically as their security forces engaged in a severe exchange of gunfire along the shared border late Friday. The incident, confirmed by officials from both nations, represents a significant deterioration in relations and casts a shadow over recent diplomatic efforts.
The border clash occurred merely days after a high-level peace dialogue, hosted in Saudi Arabia, concluded without achieving any substantive progress. While both parties had reaffirmed their commitment to a previously established ceasefire during those talks, the agreement proved fragile. This recent round of negotiations was part of a broader series of mediations, previously facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at de-escalating persistent tensions.
Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid asserted that the initiation of hostilities came from Pakistani forces, who launched attacks within the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. In a sharp rebuttal, the Pakistani Prime Minister’s spokesman, Mosharraf Zaidi, issued a statement categorically accusing Afghan forces of ‘unprovoked firing’ across the Chaman border crossing. Zaidi emphasized that Pakistan’s military remains ‘fully alert and committed to ensuring its territorial integrity and the safety of our citizens.’
The core of the longstanding dispute lies in Islamabad’s firm allegations that militant groups operating from Afghan soil are responsible for a recent surge in attacks within Pakistan, including suicide bombings carried out by Afghan nationals. The Taliban government in Kabul consistently denies these charges, maintaining that it cannot be held accountable for Pakistan’s internal security challenges.
This violent encounter evokes memories of the deadly clashes in October, which resulted in dozens of casualties and marked the most severe border violence since the Taliban’s ascension to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Official casualty figures from the latest skirmish have not yet been disclosed by either side.