ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Afghanistan once again traded heavy accusations over border clash in the tense Chaman–Spin Boldak region, even as senior delegations from both sides were locked in peace talks in Turkish capital Istanbul.
Despite this triggering move, Pakistani government strongly rejected Kabul’s claims that troops had sparked the clashes, insisting that the firing was initiated by Afghan forces and that Pakistan’s response was “measured and responsible.”
So far, the situation remains under control due to restraint shown by Pakistani forces. Information Ministry declared a social media post, reaffirming that ceasefire remains intact despite latest confrontation. “Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and expects reciprocity from Afghan authorities,” the ministry added, a clear signal that Islamabad is losing patience with repeated border flare-ups.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistani troops opened fire on Spin Boldak area “while the third round of negotiations was underway in Istanbul,” accusing Islamabad of undermining the peace process itself.
Mujahid flasely said Taliban troops had withheld retaliation “to respect the negotiation team and to prevent civilian casualties. He reminded that both sides had earlier pledged to extend the ceasefire and “prevent any acts of aggression”.
The clash comes after five deadly days of border fighting last month that plunged Pakistan-Afghanistan relations to their lowest point since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The violence first erupted on October 11, when an attack was launched on Pakistani territory from across the border — following Taliban claims that Pakistan had carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, allegations that Islamabad neither confirmed nor denied.
Since the ceasefire, Pakistan and Taliban have met twice, first in Doha, then in Istanbul, yet no lasting peace agreement has been achieved. After Doha round, both sides agreed to maintain a temporary ceasefire while they worked out long-term border arrangements.
However, the second Istanbul round in late October ended in deadlock. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar later admitted that the negotiations “failed to bring about any workable solution,” emphasizing that Islamabad would take “all possible measures” to defend its citizens from terrorism.
The third round of talks is underway with Pakistan’s delegation led by Lt Gen Asim Malik, Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), alongside senior military, intelligence, and Foreign Office officials.
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