Introduction: Rising Clashes Along the Pak-Afghan Frontier
Tensions flared once again along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border this weekend as Pakistani security forces launched a large-scale defensive operation in response to what Islamabad described as unprovoked cross-border attacks by Afghan Taliban fighters.
According to state media reports, Pakistani troops successfully captured 19 Afghan border posts and neutralized several hostile positions used to fire across the border. Officials say the operation was a necessary step to safeguard Pakistani territory and civilians from repeated provocations.
Pakistan’s Swift and Decisive Response
State broadcaster PTV News cited security sources confirming that “Afghan Taliban present at the posts have been killed, while the remaining fled for their lives.” Some positions caught fire during the intense exchange of artillery and small arms fire.
The Pakistan Army reportedly destroyed several major Taliban strongholds, including the Manojba Camp Battalion Headquarters, Jandusar Post, Turkmenzai Camp, and Kharchar Fort, according to Radio Pakistan.
Security officials added that the attacks from Afghanistan were aimed at facilitating infiltration attempts by “khawarij formations”—a term Pakistan uses for militant groups like Daesh and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
However, Pakistani forces were on high alert and responded “swiftly and forcefully,” resulting in heavy losses for the attackers. Sources claim “dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants” were killed as the remaining Taliban fled the area, leaving behind their posts and equipment.
Government Leaders Condemn Afghan Provocations
In a joint display of resolve, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their quick and effective response, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace and regional stability.
President Zardari noted that United Nations monitoring reports have repeatedly confirmed terrorist activities being launched from Afghan soil against Pakistan. He emphasized that while Pakistan seeks good relations with its western neighbor, “bilateral respect and verifiable counterterrorism cooperation are essential for lasting peace.”
He also alleged that certain terror groups operating from Afghanistan enjoy Indian backing, warning that such external interference is “the greatest threat to regional peace and stability.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, condemning the “provocation by Afghan forces in Pakistan’s border areas” and asserting there would be “no compromise on national defense.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Praises Armed Forces
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the security forces for their prompt and proportionate response, describing the firing by Afghan forces on Pakistani civilians as a “blatant violation of international law.”
Naqvi stated, “Pakistan’s brave forces have given a prompt and effective reply. No provocation will be tolerated. The people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their defenders.”
He further added that Afghanistan would receive a strong response, much like Pakistan’s firm stance against past aggressions by India.
Visual Evidence and Media Reports
State television and Radio Pakistan shared multiple videos showing Pakistani retaliatory fire targeting Afghan posts. Some clips depicted flames engulfing Taliban positions, while another appeared to show Afghan soldiers surrendering to Pakistani troops near Kurram District.
The Torkham border crossing was temporarily closed following the heavy overnight exchanges, while border activity in Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Dir, and Chitral also remained restricted for security reasons.
Afghan Government’s Reaction and Warnings
Following the clashes, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid urged Pakistan to “desist from using force,” warning that further escalations could lead to “negative consequences.”
At a press conference in Kabul, Mujahid alleged that “certain elements within Pakistan’s security establishment wish to destabilize Afghanistan.” He also claimed that the Taliban had the “means to respond” if further strikes were conducted.
Meanwhile, Afghan Ministry of Defence officials confirmed conducting “retaliatory operations” on Saturday night, which they said ended at midnight. They warned that any future violation of Afghan territory would be “met with firm resistance.”
Pakistan Targets Terrorist Camps Across the Border
Pakistani security sources insisted that the retaliatory operations were focused on terrorist hideouts near the Pak-Afghan border, not civilian areas.
The Radio Pakistan statement said:
“Pakistan targeted terrorist camps and hideouts of Khawarij and ISIS near the Pak-Afghan border with precision. Afghan forces retreated from several areas following the operation.”
Reports indicate that artillery, tanks, drones, and air assets were used to destroy Daesh-aligned positions inside Afghanistan. Officials said that several Afghan posts failed to provide covering fire to militants, resulting in heavy casualties among infiltrators.
Wider Regional Reactions: Calls for Restraint
The escalation drew concern from regional stakeholders. Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi urged both sides to exercise restraint, noting that “stability between Pakistan and Afghanistan contributes to overall regional peace.”
Similarly, Saudi Arabia—which recently signed a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan—called for dialogue and de-escalation. In a statement, Riyadh emphasized its support for all efforts that promote peace, saying, “The kingdom affirms its commitment to regional stability and prosperity for the brotherly peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Pakistan’s Position: Defense, Not Aggression
Officials in Islamabad maintain that the military action was strictly defensive in nature, aimed at preventing further terrorist infiltration and cross-border fire.
Pakistan has long accused Kabul of harboring the TTP, whose fighters routinely stage attacks on Pakistani border posts and civilians. Despite repeated warnings and intelligence sharing, Islamabad claims the interim Afghan government has failed to curb these militants.
A senior security official summarized the government’s position:
“Our aim is not escalation. Our aim is protection. We will not allow Afghan-based militants to destabilize Pakistan’s internal peace.”
Conclusion: A Call for Peace and Cooperation
While tensions remain high, Islamabad continues to call for mutual respect, verifiable counterterrorism cooperation, and non-interference. Pakistani leaders have stressed that terrorism is a shared threat, not a challenge any single country can face alone.
As both nations navigate this volatile moment, the international community is urging calm. For lasting peace, Pakistan and Afghanistan must rebuild trust, strengthen intelligence collaboration, and ensure that their borders become zones of security—not conflict.