Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified over the weekend following a lethal change of fireside alongside their shared border. The conflict started late Saturday when Afghan forces, ruled by the Taliban, launched assaults on Pakistani positions in what they described as retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul days earlier.
The violence resulted in sharply conflicting casualty stories, with either side claiming to have inflicted extra injury than they suffered. Border crossings have been additionally sealed on Sunday amid rising hostilities.
Listed below are 5 key developments:
1. Motive Behind Afghan Strikes:
Afghan officers launched strikes late on Saturday, accusing Pakistan of conducting air raids on Kabul and a market within the nation’s east on Thursday night time. Though Pakistan has not confirmed any position in these bombings, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid declared, “The Islamic Emirate and the individuals of Afghanistan will defend their land and stay resolute and dedicated on this defence.”
2. Conflicting Loss of life Toll Figures:
Casualty numbers various extensively between the 2 international locations. Afghan authorities claimed that 58 Pakistani troopers have been killed and round 30 injured. In distinction, Pakistan reported the deaths of 23 of its troops however asserted that over 200 Taliban and affiliated fighters had been killed in return hearth. Impartial verification of those figures stays unavailable.
3. Strained Bilateral Relations:
Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been fraught because the Taliban seized energy in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban regime of harbouring militants, notably members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who’ve been linked to a number of assaults inside Pakistan. Kabul has constantly denied these allegations. The 2 nations are divided by the two,611-kilometre Durand Line, a border Afghanistan has by no means formally recognised.
4. Pakistan’s Response:
Reacting to the escalation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned what he termed Afghan “provocations,” promising a decisive reply. “There will probably be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence, and each provocation will probably be met with a robust and efficient response,” he acknowledged, accusing Taliban leaders of permitting their territory for use by “terrorist components”.
5. Afghanistan’s Warning and Mediation Efforts:
Taliban Overseas Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi issued a warning on Sunday, stating that Afghanistan has “different choices” if Pakistan is unwilling to interact in dialogue. He hinted that some components in Islamabad, seemingly referring to the navy, have been trying to disrupt relations. In response, Pakistan’s overseas minister urged the Taliban to behave in opposition to militant teams threatening peace between the nations. In keeping with stories, the cross-border strikes ceased following mediation efforts led by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
(With inputs from businesses)