Taliban Confirms Attacks on Pakistani Forces as Border Tensions Escalate
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has confirmed that its forces attacked Pakistani troops across several mountainous regions along the northern border. The move, described as a series of “retaliatory operations,” marks one of the most serious escalations between the two countries in recent months.
According to Taliban officials, the attacks were carried out in response to Pakistan’s alleged airstrikes that violated Afghan airspace and hit a civilian market on Thursday. The group said the operations were intended to defend Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Casualty figures have not yet been officially confirmed.
Pakistan Condemns Attacks, Calls Them “Unprovoked”
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Taliban’s actions, calling them “unprovoked and unjustified.” Naqvi accused Afghan forces of targeting civilians and warned that Islamabad would respond decisively.
“Pakistan will reply with a stone for every brick,” Naqvi said in a televised statement. He emphasized that the attacks on civilians were a violation of international law and a direct threat to peace along the border.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi added, “Afghanistan is playing a game of fire and blood. Such provocations will only bring destruction.”
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s military also stated that the armed forces would “take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of Pakistani citizens.”
Heavy Exchange of Fire Along the Border
Security sources confirmed to the BBC that intense gunfire and shelling took place along multiple locations on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, and Baramcha.
A police officer posted near Zero Point in the Kurram district reported that heavy weapons fire began around 10:00 p.m. local time (17:00 GMT) from the Afghan side. “We have received reports of intense firing from several border points,” the officer said.
The clashes reportedly involved small arms and artillery, marking one of the most widespread border confrontations between the two nations since the Taliban seized power in 2021.
Taliban Accuses Pakistan of Bombing Civilian Market
Tensions escalated last week after the Taliban government accused Pakistan of bombing a civilian market in the border province of Paktika in southeastern Afghanistan.
In a statement, Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry claimed that Pakistani warplanes struck a busy market area, destroying several shops and injuring civilians. Local residents told the BBC’s Afghan Service that two large explosions were heard late Thursday night.
The Taliban called the strikes a “violation of Afghanistan’s sovereign territory” and vowed to respond. Islamabad, however, has not publicly acknowledged conducting any air operations inside Afghan territory.
Islamabad Accuses Kabul of Harboring Terrorists
In response to the Taliban’s claims, Pakistani officials have accused Afghanistan of allowing militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate freely within its borders.
A top Pakistani general said that Afghanistan was being used as a base for terrorist operations targeting Pakistan, a claim that Kabul denies.
Islamabad has long maintained that the Afghan Taliban provides sanctuary to the TTP, which has launched numerous cross-border attacks in an effort to establish a stricter Islamic rule in Pakistan.
The Afghan Taliban government has repeatedly rejected these allegations, insisting that it does not allow its territory to be used for attacks against other nations.
Afghan Foreign Minister Visits India Amid Escalation
The latest flare-up coincided with a historic diplomatic visit by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India. The trip is seen as a step toward re-establishing formal ties between Kabul and New Delhi.
During the visit, India announced plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, which had been closed four years ago after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan.
While the visit signals growing engagement between Afghanistan and India, it has also stirred tensions in Islamabad. Pakistani officials view the Taliban’s deepening relationship with India as a potential strategic threat.
“Afghanistan will also be given a befitting reply, just like India, so that it will not dare to look at Pakistan with a malicious eye,” warned Interior Minister Naqvi.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Urge Restraint
The escalating situation has prompted calls for calm from the international community. Saudi Arabia, which recently signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, urged both nations to show restraint and avoid further escalation.
In a statement, Riyadh said, “We call on both Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their disputes through peaceful dialogue and avoid actions that could destabilize the region.”
Qatar also expressed concern over the rising border tensions, urging both sides to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue. “Qatar urges both parties to exercise restraint and work toward de-escalation,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said.
Fragile Peace and Regional Stability at Risk
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long been a flashpoint for cross-border attacks, smuggling, and militant activity. Analysts warn that the latest violence could further destabilize the already fragile region.
Experts note that both countries are facing domestic challenges—Pakistan grappling with political instability and rising militant attacks, while Afghanistan struggles with economic isolation and humanitarian crises.
The renewed conflict threatens to undo years of international efforts aimed at stabilizing South Asia. Observers fear that without meaningful diplomatic engagement, the tensions could escalate into a prolonged border conflict with severe humanitarian consequences.
Conclusion
As both sides exchange accusations and military fire, the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains one of the most volatile regions in the world. While calls for restraint from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other international players offer a glimmer of hope, the path to peace remains uncertain.
For now, the world watches closely as Islamabad and Kabul navigate another dangerous chapter in their troubled relationship—one that could define the security landscape of South Asia for years to come.