Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clash Escalates: Dozens Dead, Diplomatic Strains | 5 Developments | World News
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified over the weekend following a deadly clash along their shared border. The fighting began late Saturday when Afghan forces led by the Taliban launched an attack on Pakistani positions in what they described as retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul a few days earlier.
The violence resulted in conflicting reports of casualties, with both sides claiming to have caused more damage than they suffered. Border crossings were also closed on Sunday amid escalating hostilities.
Here are five important developments:
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1. Reason Behind Afghan Strikes:
Afghan officials launched the attack late Saturday, accusing Pakistan of launching airstrikes on Kabul and a market in the country’s east on Thursday night. Although Pakistan did not confirm any role in these bombings, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, “The Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan will defend their land and remain firm and resolute in this defense.”
2. Conflicting Death toll Figures:
Casualty numbers varied greatly between the two countries. Afghan officials claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and around 30 were injured. In response, Pakistan reported 23 of its soldiers killed but claimed more than 200 Taliban and allied fighters were killed in return fire. Independent verification of these figures is currently not available.
3. Strained Bilateral Relations:
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense since the Taliban came to power in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban regime of harboring militants, especially members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been linked to several attacks in Pakistan. Kabul has consistently denied these allegations. The two countries are separated by the 2,611-kilometer Durand Line, a border that Afghanistan has never officially recognized.
4. Pakistan’s Response:
Reacting to the escalation of tensions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned what he called Afghan “provocations” and promised a firm response. Accusing Taliban leaders of allowing their lands to be used by “terrorist elements”, he said: “Pakistan’s defense will not be compromised and every provocation will be given a strong and effective response.” he said.
5. Afghanistan’s Warning and Mediation Efforts:
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi issued a warning on Sunday, saying Afghanistan had “other options” if Pakistan did not want to engage in dialogue. He implied that some elements in Islamabad were trying to sour relations, apparently referring to the military. In response, Pakistan’s foreign minister called on the Taliban to take action against militant groups that threaten peace between the countries. According to information obtained, cross-border attacks were stopped following mediation efforts led by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
(With input from institutions)
