Tensions along the Pakistan and Afghanistan frontier escalated once again as fierce clashes broke out overnight, with both sides accusing the other of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement. The latest fighting forced residents of Spin Boldak, a key Afghan border city along the 1,600 mile (2,600 km) frontier, to flee in large numbers.
Medical officials in Kandahar confirmed to BBC Pashto that four bodies had been brought to a nearby hospital, while four others were treated for injuries. Reports from Pakistan indicated at least three additional casualties.
The two countries have experienced recurring skirmishes in recent months, with the Taliban administration repeatedly accusing Pakistan of launching air strikes inside Afghan territory. Islamabad, meanwhile, maintains that militant groups sheltering in Afghanistan continue to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan.
Four Hours of Heavy Fire
Both governments confirmed that they exchanged fire overnight but each insists the other side initiated hostilities.
Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, described the incident as “unprovoked firing” by Taliban forces.
“An immediate, befitting and intense response has been given by our armed forces,” his statement read. “Pakistan remains fully alert and committed to safeguarding its territorial integrity and citizens.”
The Taliban, however, rejected those accusations. A spokesperson for the Afghan government stated that Pakistan had “once again initiated attacks,” forcing Taliban forces to respond defensively.
Eyewitnesses on the Afghan side said the exchange began at around 22:30 local time (18:00 GMT) on Friday. Videos from the area showed crowds of families escaping on foot and by vehicle as artillery echoed across the border.
Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar’s information department, accused Pakistan of using both light and heavy artillery, claiming that several civilian homes had been struck by mortar rounds.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The renewed violence comes less than two months after Pakistan and the Taliban reached a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey. That agreement ended more than a week of clashes, the deadliest since the Taliban seized power in 2021, which left dozens dead and raised concerns about regional stability.
Despite the ceasefire, distrust between the two neighbours has persisted. Islamabad continues to allege that Afghanistan provides safe haven to militant groups, including the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), which has carried out at least 600 attacks on Pakistani forces over the past year, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).
The Taliban government denies offering sanctuary to any armed groups, accusing Pakistan of externalising its own security failures.
Negotiations Continue Without Breakthrough
Delegations from both countries met in Saudi Arabia last week for a fourth round of talks aimed at achieving a broader peace agreement. However, the discussions ended without major progress.
Sources familiar with the negotiations told BBC News that both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, even as the situation on the ground remains volatile.
With cross border tensions escalating again, the durability of the ceasefire and the prospects for a lasting political settlement face renewed uncertainty.
