The long-simmering tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have boiled over following a fierce night of clashes, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemning Afghanistan’s “recent acts of provocation” and vowing a “strong and effective response” to any future aggression.
The Prime Minister’s firm statement comes as the Taliban government in Kabul claimed a major victory in the overnight operation, asserting that Afghan forces had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and captured 25 Pakistani army posts. There has been no immediate confirmation of casualties from the Pakistani side, though PM Sharif’s remarks acknowledge the severity of the confrontation.
Pakistan Vows ‘No Compromise’ on Defence
In his condemnation, Prime Minister Sharif lauded Pakistan’s armed forces, particularly under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for their “robust and effective response.”
“Under the bold leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army not only gave a firm and fitting response to Afghanistan’s aggression but also destroyed several of their posts, forcing retreat,” the Prime Minister stated. “There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence. Every act of aggression will be met with a strong and effective response.”
Sharif also reaffirmed the nation’s resolve, stressing that Pakistan’s defence is in capable hands and that the country “knows how to protect every inch of its territory.”
Cross-Border Terrorism at Core of Conflict
The underlying issue highlighted by the Prime Minister is that of cross-border terrorism. Sharif accused elements within Afghanistan of supporting terrorist organisations such as ‘Fitna-tul-Khawarij’ and ‘Fitna-tul-Hindustan,’ who are reportedly using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.
“Pakistan has repeatedly shared information with Afghanistan regarding the presence of terrorist elements… who are using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan,” Sharif noted. He concluded by demanding the interim Afghan government ensure its territory is not used by these groups to attack Pakistan.
Taliban Claims and Retaliatory Strikes
The confrontation on the ground was described by the Taliban as a “retaliatory” measure in response to alleged “repeated violations of its territory and airspace” by Pakistan, including earlier unconfirmed reports of Pakistani bombings in Kabul and a market in eastern Afghanistan.
In a press conference in Kabul, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, asserted that the situation on the border is “under complete control.” He detailed the Afghan operation, claiming the capture of 25 Pakistani army posts, 58 soldiers killed, and 30 others wounded, though Pakistan has yet to verify these figures.
The heavy clashes underscore a deepening security crisis and represent a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighbours. Following the intense fighting, officials on Sunday also reported that Pakistan had closed its main border crossings with Afghanistan, including Torkham and Chaman.