Pak-Afghan Border Erupts in Heavy Gunfire Amid Rising Tensions

Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged intense cross-border fire late Friday night, sharply escalating tensions between the two neighbours just days after a fresh round of peace negotiations ended without progress. Security officials from both countries confirmed the exchange, which took place along sensitive border zones known for recurring instability. While no immediate casualties were reported, the incident has heightened fears of a wider military escalation in an already fragile region.

Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistani forces of initiating the strike in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province, a key crossing point between the two countries. In response, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Prime Minister rejected the allegation, instead accusing Afghan forces of carrying out “unprovoked firing” along the Chaman border. Both sides issued strongly worded statements, reflecting the growing diplomatic strain between Islamabad and Kabul.

Pakistan’s government stated that its armed forces remain on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any threat to national sovereignty. Officials stressed that maintaining territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of civilians living in border regions remain top priorities. The situation has prompted increased security deployments in sensitive areas, as authorities seek to prevent further violence from spilling over into populated districts.

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The exchange of fire came just two days after a new round of peace talks held in Saudi Arabia concluded without achieving a breakthrough. Although both sides agreed in principle to continue observing a fragile ceasefire, the failure to secure concrete agreements has exposed the deep divisions that persist between the two governments. The Saudi-hosted talks followed earlier diplomatic efforts facilitated by Qatar and Turkey to stabilize relations.

At the core of the dispute are Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan-based militant groups are responsible for a series of recent attacks on its soil, including suicide bombings involving Afghan nationals. Kabul has firmly denied the claims, arguing that it cannot be held responsible for Pakistan’s internal security challenges. The renewed tensions follow deadly border clashes in October that killed dozens, marking the worst violence along the frontier since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

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