Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are engaged in intense clashes along their shared Durand Line border, with both sides reporting significant casualties. Pakistan claims it killed over 200 Taliban fighters while defending against attacks, marking a sharp escalation in the historically tense Pak-Afghan relations.
Border Clashes Escalate Along the Durand Line
Once considered a close ally of the Taliban, Pakistan now faces open conflict with Afghan Taliban forces along the 2,600-kilometre Durand Line.
The Pakistan Army stated that its forces carried out precision strikes and raids on Taliban camps, posts, and terrorist training facilities operating from Afghan territory.
“Pakistani forces destroyed multiple Taliban locations and neutralized 21 hostile positions across the border,” the army said.
The operations also targeted terror networks planning attacks on Pakistan, temporarily capturing key positions and disabling several training camps.
Islamabad Calls Actions Self-Defence
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry described the strikes as acts of self-defence, asserting that Pakistan repelled attacks along the border and inflicted heavy losses on Taliban fighters.
The ministry warned Kabul that any further provocations will be met with a strong and decisive response.
Conflicting Casualty Reports
While Pakistan claims 200 Taliban fighters killed and 23 Pakistani soldiers dead, Afghan officials reported 58 Pakistani soldiers killed during “retaliatory operations.”
Pakistan maintains that the attacks on its forces were unprovoked, emphasizing the defensive nature of its operations.
Tensions Rise Amid India-Afghanistan Engagement
Pakistan also criticized recent diplomatic talks between India and Afghanistan in New Delhi, accusing Afghanistan of attempting to divert attention from terrorist activities within its territory.
Islamabad said it strongly rejects claims by Afghan officials regarding the presence of militant groups and the cross-border incidents.
Regional Impact and International Concern
The clashes have disrupted the Torkham border crossing, a key trade route, raising concerns about regional security and trade stability.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have urged both countries to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to maintain peace in the region.
