Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply as the Pakistan military launched a fresh cross-border strike into Afghan territory, triggering heavy clashes at multiple frontier locations. According to reports, artillery firing and exchanges of gunfire were reported across at least five border posts along the rugged frontier following the air operations. The situation has deepened bilateral strain, drawing international reactions while raising fears of further instability in the region.
Artillery Fire and Escalation
On Tuesday evening, Pakistani forces reportedly shelled an Afghan border post at around 6:43 PM IST, which quickly triggered retaliatory fire from Afghan positions. Clashes subsequently spread to several frontier areas — including zones such as Zaka Khel, Vargha, Shahkot and Landi Kotal — reflecting a sharp uptick in hostilities along the lengthy mountainous border that has seen sporadic skirmishes in recent years.
This escalation comes amid rising security concerns after Pakistan’s recent airstrikes over the weekend inside Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Kabul claims these airstrikes hit civilian homes and caused multiple casualties, including women and children. Islamabad, for its part, insists the strikes targeted militant hideouts linked to groups accused of orchestrating recent suicide attacks within Pakistan.
Casualty and Local Impact Reports
While exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed by independent observers, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid alleged that artillery bombardment and air operations resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries among civilians. Pakistan has maintained that its operations were focused on insurgent targets and aimed at degrading militant capabilities.
The border areas remain tense, with reports indicating volatile security conditions that risk disrupting local civilian life. Farmers, traders, and residents in eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan have expressed fear over the possibility of further escalation affecting livelihoods and mobility along crossing points.
Reactions from India and the International Community
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned Pakistan’s aerial operations over Afghan soil. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal characterized the strikes — carried out during the holy month of Ramadan — as violations of Afghan sovereignty, particularly highlighting reports of civilian casualties. New Delhi reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and called for diplomatic restraint from all sides.
International bodies and neighbouring countries have called for calm and urged both Islamabad and Kabul to return to dialogue to prevent further spill-over of violence. Analysts warn that such border escalations risk undermining fragile peace processes and could lead to broader regional instability if not managed through diplomatic channels.
