Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clash Leaves Dozens Dead Amid Rising Tensions

Courtesy:Al-Jazeera

Deadly clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces have erupted along multiple points of their shared border, marking one of the most serious confrontations in recent years. Both sides have reported heavy casualties and accused each other of starting the violence.

Fierce Fighting Along the Border

According to Al Jazeera TV, the gunfire exchange began late Saturday night across several areas including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, and Chitral in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as well as Bahram Chah in Balochistan. The Taliban administration in Kabul claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 25 border posts were captured in what it described as a “retaliatory” strike.

Pakistan’s military confirmed the loss of 23 soldiers but stated that it had killed more than 200 Taliban fighters and destroyed several militant camps in response. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military media wing, said its forces acted in self-defense after “unprovoked attacks” from across the border.

Background of Growing Friction

Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have been simmering since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan accuses the Taliban government of sheltering fighters from Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group responsible for a surge in attacks within Pakistan. Kabul has consistently denied harboring these militants.

Security analysts note that these latest clashes were triggered after explosions in Kabul and the Afghan province of Paktika last week. Afghan officials blamed Pakistan for carrying out air strikes inside Afghanistan, while Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied the allegation.

A Pakistani security official told Reuters that one of the strikes targeted TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud, though Al Jazeera TV reported it could not verify whether he survived.

Courtesy:Al-Jazeera

Regional and Political Reactions

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he called “provocative attacks” by Afghan forces, emphasizing that the Pakistani army delivered a strong and “decisive” response. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also accused the Taliban of violating international law by targeting civilians near the border.

Meanwhile, Afghan officials claimed their actions were purely defensive. “If Pakistan violates Afghanistan’s airspace again, our armed forces will respond firmly,” said Enayatullah Khowarazmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence.

International Calls for Restraint

The escalating violence has sparked concern across the region. Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have all urged both nations to show restraint and resolve their disputes through dialogue. Saudi Arabia stressed that stability between Pakistan and Afghanistan is essential for peace in South Asia.

Analysts believe both countries want to avoid a full-scale conflict. Former Pakistani ambassador Asif Durrani told Al Jazeera that Afghanistan lacks the military capability to sustain a large-scale war, while both nations are already struggling with internal challenges.

Future Outlook

Experts warn that unless the issue of TTP safe havens is resolved, relations between the two neighboring countries will remain tense. Political analyst Mehmood Jan Babar said that only consistent diplomatic engagement can prevent further bloodshed.

“Both countries must prioritize communication and cooperation instead of confrontation,” he said, adding that regional powers like China and Saudi Arabia are likely to push for peace efforts.