Pakistan and Afghanistan exchange heavy fire along border

Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their shared border late on Friday, a reminder of how sensitive the frontier remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Officials on both sides confirmed the incident and said there were no immediate reports of casualties, though the timing underscored the fragile mood following talks earlier in the week.

Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the clash began in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province. Pakistani officials offered a different account, saying Afghan forces opened fire near the Chaman crossing, a busy route that has experienced periodic tension. A statement from Islamabad said Pakistan remained fully alert and focused on ensuring the safety of its citizens and the protection of its territory, reflecting a careful approach as discussions continue.

The exchange came just two days after peace talks in Saudi Arabia ended without a breakthrough. These meetings, part of a wider effort hosted by Qatar, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, aim to stabilise the border following deadly clashes in October. Those earlier confrontations were the worst since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 and prompted renewed international attempts to calm the situation.

In the broader dispute, Pakistan has raised concerns over cross-border militancy and incidents it links to individuals operating from Afghan territory. Kabul rejects these claims and says responsibility for security inside Pakistan lies with Pakistani authorities. Both sides maintain their positions, but neither has walked away from dialogue, suggesting that continued engagement still holds value for regional stability.

The latest exchange highlights how quickly tensions can rise even as diplomatic channels remain open. With negotiations set to continue, both governments now face the task of preventing isolated incidents from derailing a process that remains fragile but necessary.

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