Peace Talks Fail: Pakistan–Afghanistan Drift Back Toward War; Heavy Firing at Border, Hundreds of Families Flee Homes

Karachi (The Uttam Hindu): Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have once again escalated sharply. Late Friday night, heavy firing broke out between security forces of the two countries along the Chaman (Pakistan)–Spin Boldak (Afghanistan) border. Mortars and heavy weapons were used, creating panic in nearby areas. The renewed clashes come just two days after peace talks between the two nations in Saudi Arabia ended without any breakthrough.

According to sources, the firing began on Friday evening and shook residents on both sides of the border. Reports say that Afghan forces in Spin Boldak fired toward Pakistan, while Pakistani forces in Chaman retaliated. As the situation worsened, hundreds of families from both sides were forced to leave their homes and move to safer locations.

Local residents said the firing was so intense that many families fled without being able to collect their belongings. Neither side has officially confirmed casualties yet, but the atmosphere remains extremely tense. As in previous incidents, both countries are blaming each other for initiating the clash. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed on social media that Pakistani forces fired first in Kandahar’s Spin Boldak district, prompting Afghan forces to respond.

Pakistan, however, rejected this claim, stating that Afghan forces opened fire without any provocation. Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said Pakistan is fully committed and alert in defending its territorial sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The latest clash comes at a time when relations between the two sides are already strained. Peace talks hosted in Saudi Arabia—following earlier rounds in Qatar and Turkey—also ended without results, although both sides publicly reaffirmed their desire for a ceasefire.

Notably, a major clash occurred in October as well, resulting in several deaths. It was considered the deadliest confrontation since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan accuses Afghan soil of being used by militants to carry out attacks across the border, while Kabul denies these allegations and says it is not responsible for Pakistan’s internal security issues.