Pak Afghan Border Erupts in Deadly Clashes Again
Fresh tension has flared along the Pak Afghan border as deadly fighting broke out once again between Pakistani forces and Afghanistan’s Taliban troops. Both sides traded accusations of violating a fragile ceasefire that had only recently brought temporary calm to the region.
According to residents, heavy gunfire and shelling late Friday night forced people in the Afghan border town of Spin Boldak to flee in panic. The town, located along the 2,600 km frontier separating the two nations, saw chaotic scenes as families escaped on foot and in vehicles.
Medical staff in Kandahar reported that four bodies were brought to a nearby hospital, while at least four more were injured. Reports from Pakistan also confirmed three casualties on its side of the border.
Mutual Blame for Ceasefire Violation
Pakistan and the Taliban administration in Kabul acknowledged the exchange of fire but each held the other responsible for initiating the confrontation, which lasted nearly four hours.
Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accused Afghan forces of “unprovoked firing” and stated that Pakistan delivered a strong and immediate response. He added that Pakistan’s forces remain fully alert to protect the nation’s borders and citizens.
The Taliban, however, claimed that Pakistan “started the attacks once again,” leaving them with no choice but to retaliate.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
Witnesses on the Afghan side said the firing began around 10:30 PM local time. Videos circulating online showed crowds of Afghan civilians fleeing the area amid the intense exchange.
Kandahar’s information department head, Ali Mohammed Haqmal, alleged that Pakistan used both light and heavy artillery, causing damage to residential homes due to mortar fire.
Ceasefire Still Fragile Despite Recent Talks
This latest clash comes less than two months after Qatar and Turkey mediated a ceasefire between the two nations. That agreement ended over a week of deadly confrontations—the worst since the Taliban took power in 2021. Although hostilities slowed, tensions have remained extremely high.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban government of providing sanctuary to anti-Pakistan militant groups responsible for attacks on its soil. The Taliban deny the allegations, instead blaming Pakistan for failing to secure its territory and pointing to internal security lapses.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), Pakistan has faced over 600 attacks from Pakistan-based Taliban militants over the past year alone.
Peace Talks Struggle to Make Progress
Delegations from both sides met in Saudi Arabia last week for a fourth round of negotiations aimed at achieving a broader peace deal. However, no breakthrough was reached. Sources told BBC News that despite the tensions, both countries agreed to continue adhering to the existing ceasefire—highlighting how delicate the situation remains.
