Pakistan and Afghanistan Conflict Escalates Along Border

Pakistan and Afghanistan Conflict: The tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated significantly following cross-border airstrikes and intense fighting along the disputed Durand Line. The conflict has escalated to such an extent that Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has termed it an “open war” and stated that it is one of the most dangerous conflicts between the two neighboring countries in recent years.

While strongly commenting on the situation, Asif said, “Our patience has run out. It is now open war between us and you.” Asif made the comments while both countries were trading heavy accusations and reporting vastly different numbers of casualties, making it difficult to determine the extent of the conflict.

Conflicting Claims on Casualties

The Taliban government in Afghanistan reported that at least 55 Pakistani soldiers had been killed in retaliatory attacks. The attacks were launched in response to airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in the Afghan capital of Kabul and other cities across the country. Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense announced that its forces conducted coordinated attacks in several provinces in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country, including Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan.

According to Afghan officials, two Pakistani military bases and 19 border posts were seized during a four-hour battle. They also reported that one Pakistani tank was destroyed, some military vehicles were seized, and some Pakistani soldiers were taken alive. On the other hand, Afghan officials also reported that eight Taliban fighters were killed and 11 others were injured.

However, Pakistan dismissed the reports. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that only two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three others were injured. He also reported that 36 Afghan fighters were killed. Tarar said that Pakistan was giving a “strong and effective response” to what he described as unprovoked firing by Taliban forces.

The reports on the number of casualties exchanged between the two sides could not be verified.

Airstrikes and Counter-Allegations

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. He said that explosions were heard in Kabul early Friday, although he claimed that there were no reported casualties from the airstrikes.

The Afghan government further claimed that Pakistani military operations over the past few days resulted in the deaths of women and children, which they described as an infringement of Afghan sovereignty. Pakistan rejected these claims and said that the conflict was sparked by Taliban forces who began firing along the border.

Reports by Afghan local media further indicated that air defence systems downed a Pakistani plane that entered Afghan airspace. But Pakistani authorities have yet to confirm this report, and no verification has been possible so far.

Fighting Reaches Torkham Border

The conflict also reached the Torkham border, which is an important trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Afghan authorities said that refugees along the border were evacuated due to injuries sustained during the fighting. On the Pakistani side, police said that residents relocated to safer areas due to the landing of mortar shells in nearby villages. There were no reported civilian casualties.

The Torkham border is a critical location for cross-border trade and travel. Any protracted conflict or closure of this border could have severe economic and humanitarian implications.

Strong Reactions from Pakistan

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly reacted to the situation, saying that Pakistan would not make any compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also warned that those who thought that Pakistan’s desire for peace was a sign of weakness would get a decisive response from the country’s military.

Pakistan has already expelled hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants since October 2023 as part of a nationwide crackdown, which has further deteriorated the relationship between the two countries.

Durand Line: A Long-Standing Dispute

The 2,611km Durand Line has been a long-standing source of tension between the two countries for decades. Afghanistan has never formally recognized the border, and there have been repeated clashes over its control. Although a Qatari-mediated ceasefire in the past eased tensions between the two countries, there have been sporadic incidents of cross-border firing.

The current escalation of tensions represents a dangerous phase in the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. With both countries accusing each other and military operations escalating, diplomatic circles are warning that the conflict could further destabilize the region if urgent measures are not taken to ease tensions.

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