Kabul/Islamabad, 12 October 2025 — Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government said Sunday its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight operations along the frontier, describing the attacks as retaliation for what it called repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace.
Pakistan’s military confirmed clashes but reported 23 soldiers killed, a far lower figure, and accused Afghan forces of carrying out “unprovoked firing” across multiple border points.
Conflicting Narratives
- Afghan officials claimed their forces captured 25 Pakistani army posts, destroyed several others, and wounded at least 30 soldiers.
- Pakistan’s army countered that it had inflicted heavy losses on Afghan fighters, including members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and insisted its response was defensive.
- The Taliban Defense Ministry warned that any further violation of Afghan sovereignty would be met with “a strong response.”
Escalating Tensions
The clashes follow a week of heightened strain after Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika province, allegations Islamabad has not confirmed. Pakistan, in turn, has long accused Kabul of harboring TTP militants who stage attacks inside its territory — a charge the Taliban government denies.
Border fighting erupted late Saturday at multiple locations, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, and Chitral in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as well as Bahram Chah in Balochistan. Both sides reported using heavy weapons.
Regional Impact
The violence forced the closure of key crossings at Torkham and Chaman, disrupting trade and stranding Afghan refugees attempting to leave Pakistan. Observers warn the escalation risks destabilizing an already volatile region, with potential spillover effects for regional security and humanitarian conditions.
Outlook
While casualty figures remain disputed, the scale of the fighting underscores the fragile state of Afghanistan–Pakistan relations. With both governments trading accusations and mobilizing forces along the 2,640-kilometer border, analysts fear further clashes could ignite a broader conflict unless diplomatic channels are urgently reactivated.
Sources: Al Jazeera; Politico; ABC News; Newsweek.
