Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of conducting deadly air strikes in Khost province, resulting in the deaths of nine children and a woman. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated the attack targeted a civilian residence and vowed an appropriate response. Pakistan, however, denied involvement, with military spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry asserting that Pakistan does not target civilian populations and that the allegations are baseless. The incident follows a suicide attack in Peshawar on Monday that killed three Pakistani paramilitary officers, which Pakistan attributes to Afghan nationals and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group operating from Afghan soil. The strained relations between the two nations have been exacerbated by border clashes in October, which killed around 70 people and led to a temporary ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey. Despite ongoing talks, security issues, particularly Pakistan’s demand for Kabul to curb TTP activities, remain unresolved. The border closure since the clashes has also severely impacted bilateral trade, with thousands of containers stranded and incurring significant daily costs. The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has described the economic burden as unsustainable.