An Afghan military source has reported that Pakistani forces fired both light and heavy weapons into civilian-populated areas along the border, with eyewitnesses claiming the shelling lasted 10 to 15 minutes. The Afghan side has so far refrained from retaliation, citing respect for the ongoing peace negotiations in Istanbul, where delegations from both countries are attempting to salvage a fragile ceasefire. The Pakistani military has not issued an immediate response to the allegations.
The incident comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions. Just last month, following a series of explosions in Kabul, fierce border clashes left at least 70 people dead, according to the United Nations. Among the victims, 50 were Afghan civilians, making it one of the deadliest confrontations in recent years.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have steadily deteriorated since the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in 2021. The border region has become a flashpoint, with frequent militant activity, cross-border attacks, and retaliatory strikes fueling instability.
In an effort to ease tensions, Turkey and Qatar brokered a ceasefire agreement on October 19 in Doha, but progress has stalled. The latest round of talks in Istanbul last week ended in deadlock, with both sides trading accusations and issuing fresh threats.
The renewed shelling underscores the fragility of the truce and the difficulty of achieving lasting peace. Analysts warn that without concrete steps to address border security, militant activity, and mutual distrust, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.
The situation remains tense, with both governments under pressure to show restraint while also facing domestic calls for a tougher stance. For civilians living along the border, however, the immediate reality is one of fear and uncertainty, as clashes between the two neighbors once again spill into their daily lives.
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