Islamabad: Pakistan closed all border crossings with Afghanistan on Sunday following deadly overnight clashes, with both nations claiming to have killed dozens of each other's troops.
According to France24.com, Islamabad regularly accuses the Taliban administration in Kabul of harboring militants who launch attacks on Pakistan, an allegation that Afghan officials deny.
The Afghan Taliban forces initiated attacks on Pakistani troops late Saturday along the shared border, stating it was in retaliation for air strikes conducted by the Pakistani army on Kabul earlier that week. Although Islamabad has not directly claimed responsibility for these strikes, it maintains its right to defend against rising militancy, which it alleges is orchestrated from Afghan soil. The reported casualty figures remain unverified independently.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated on Sunday that the "situation is under control." He mentioned that their operation the previous night achieved its objectives and acknowledged that appeals from allies like Qatar and Saudi Arabia led to the cessation of hostilities. Despite Afghan military claims of air strikes in Kabul, Taliban spokesperson Mujahid described the event as an "airspace violation," noting no damage was observed.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed strong condemnation of Afghanistan's "provocations," affirming there will be no compromise on Pakistan's defense and promising a strong response to any provocation. The Afghan military reported heavy clashes with Pakistani forces in multiple areas, while several border security officials confirmed no further incidents at major crossings by Sunday morning. Key border crossings were closed, and additional troops were deployed to the major crossing at Torkham.
The recent violence coincided with India's hosting of Afghanistan's foreign minister, the first such visit since the Taliban's return to power. Afghan international relations expert Wahid Faqiri noted that improving relations with India might have provoked Pakistan and led to aggressive actions from Islamabad.
Since the return of the Taliban government in 2021, militancy has surged in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) intensifying their campaign against Pakistan's security forces. This year is projected to be the deadliest in over a decade, with the escalating violence further straining relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi emphasized the necessity of returning to diplomacy to resolve the confrontation.
The TTP, distinct but closely linked to the Afghan Taliban, is accused by Islamabad of operating from Afghan soil with impunity. A UN report highlighted substantial logistical and operational support for the TTP by the de facto authorities in Kabul. Between January and September 15, more than 500 people, including 311 troops and 73 policemen, have been killed in attacks, according to a Pakistan military spokesman. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif informed parliament of the unsuccessful attempts to persuade the Afghan Taliban to cease backing the TTP, declaring an end to Pakistan's patience.