Islamabad, Dec 30: After two days of sporadic gunfire, tensions at the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan eased on Sunday, following diplomatic talks between both nations. The gunfire ceased, and no new incidents were reported after officials from both sides communicated and agreed to prevent further escalation.
The clashes, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, involved Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters at various points along the border. Afghanistan claimed it had targeted positions in Pakistan in retaliation for reported airstrikes in Paktika province on December 24.
However, Pakistani sources dismissed these claims, asserting that a group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters attempted to infiltrate Pakistan on the night of December 27-28 using Afghan Taliban posts. Pakistani forces responded swiftly, preventing the breach.
On December 28, insurgents made another attempt to infiltrate Pakistan, which was thwarted. This led to heavy fire exchanged between the Afghan Taliban and insurgents on Saturday morning. Pakistan retaliated strongly, causing significant damage to Afghan positions and forcing the Afghan Taliban to abandon six border posts. No fatalities were reported on the Pakistani side, though three soldiers were injured.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan to prevent the TTP from using Afghan territory for cross-border attacks. Despite these appeals, the Afghan Taliban have been accused of supporting the TTP, which continues to operate freely in Afghanistan.
In a positive development, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq’s visit to Kabul facilitated progress in diplomatic talks. Both sides agreed to initiate high-level exchanges, including ministerial visits, although these plans have been delayed due to recent tensions. Sources remain optimistic about the resumption of talks, as both Pakistan and Afghanistan have a vested interest in peace.
Afghan Taliban leaders denied allowing the TTP to launch attacks into Pakistan. However, when presented with evidence of Afghan Taliban weapons being used by the TTP, Afghan officials were unable to provide a clear response. Pakistan reiterated that any cross-border terrorist attacks would be met with strong retaliation and warned that if the Afghan Taliban could not control their territory, Pakistan would take action to prevent terrorists from using it.
