Pakistan and Afghanistan Clash Over Who Sought Border Ceasefire.Tensions flared again between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Border clashes erupted overnight, causing dozens of casualties. A temporary 48-hour ceasefire was agreed upon to halt the violence.Both nations, however, offered conflicting accounts. Each government insists the other side requested the pause in fighting. This dispute highlights the deep mistrust between the neighbors.
Details of the Recent Border Clashes
Fresh fighting broke out on Wednesday. Both sides accused the other of launching ground attacks. The violence centered on the Spin Boldak and Chaman border areas.According to Reuters, Afghan officials reported civilian casualties. They stated that Pakistani forces caused these deaths and injuries. Pakistan denied this, blaming Taliban fighters for wounding its own civilians.Pakistan’s military said it repelled major assaults. It reported around 20 Taliban fighters were killed near Spin Boldak. Security officials also told Reuters of separate clashes in Orakzai district.
The Disputed Path to a Temporary Truce
The fighting prompted a 48-hour ceasefire agreement. It began at 6 pm local time on Wednesday. The reason for the truce, however, became a new point of contention.A Pakistani foreign ministry statement was clear. It said the ceasefire was implemented after a request from Kabul. The statement aimed to present Afghanistan as seeking de-escalation.The Afghan Taliban government immediately disputed this. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid gave the opposite version. He stated the pause was due to the “insistence of the Pakistani side.”
This new ceasefire remains fragile, with both nations publicly disagreeing on its origins. The ongoing border ceasefire dispute underscores the severe diplomatic challenges. Lasting peace will require more than temporary pauses.
Info at your fingertips
Q1: What started the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes?
The immediate trigger was a revenge strike by Afghanistan. The Taliban launched it after blaming Pakistan for explosions in Kabul. This sparked a cycle of retaliatory fire.
Q2: How many people have been killed in the fighting?
Casualty figures are disputed and difficult to verify. Both sides have reported dozens of fatalities among soldiers and civilians. The numbers released by each government differ significantly.
Q3: What is the main source of tension between the two countries?
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militant groups. It specifically points to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Afghanistan’s Taliban government consistently denies these allegations.
Q4: How long is the current ceasefire?
The agreed truce is set for 48 hours. It started on Wednesday evening. Its continuation depends on neither side committing aggression.
Q5: Have other countries been involved in mediation?
Yes, regional powers have previously intervened. Reports from agencies like AFP note that Qatar and Saudi Arabia helped broker a pause in weekend clashes. Their role in this latest truce is less clear.
Get the latest News first — Follow us on Google News, Twitter, Facebook, Telegram , subscribe to our YouTube channel and Read Breaking News. For any inquiries, contact: [email protected]