Tensions along the Durand Line escalated dramatically as the Taliban government in Afghanistan claimed that its forces had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers during overnight operations along the border. Afghan authorities also stated that 25 Pakistani army posts were captured and 30 soldiers wounded in retaliatory strikes against what it described as repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace.
The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a press conference that the situation along all official and de facto borders is “under complete control,” with illegal activities largely prevented. The operations followed earlier reports that Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul and eastern Afghan regions, including civilian markets, which Islamabad has not officially confirmed.
The Afghan Defence Ministry described the operations as “retaliatory and successful,” warning that any further violations of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity would be met with strong responses.
The escalation impacted cross-border trade, with the Torkham border crossing, one of the two main trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, failing to open at its usual time on Sunday.
Pakistan accused Afghanistan of harboring Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who have carried out deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denied the allegations, asserting that its territory is not used against other nations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Afghanistan’s actions, stating that the Pakistani Army “gave a befitting reply” to the assault, destroyed several Afghan posts, and forced a retreat.
The conflict drew international concern, with Qatar urging both nations to exercise dialogue, diplomacy, and restraint. Similarly, the Saudi Foreign Ministry called for restraint, avoidance of escalation, and adoption of dialogue to maintain regional stability. Analysts note that recent strategic developments, including a mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, may further influence the unfolding situation.
According to a senior Pakistani security official, Afghan forces opened fire across several northwestern border areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Bajaur, Mohmand, Angoor Adda, and Kurram, with Pakistani troops responding using heavy weaponry in Tirah, Khyber district, and across the frontier in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.
The long-disputed 2,611-kilometer Durand Line remains a flashpoint, with Afghanistan continuing to reject it as an official border, heightening the risk of further clashes.
