Afghanistan Pakistan Ceasefire Violation Amid Peace Talks
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Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of breaching the ceasefire and firing on its border forces while peace talks between the two countries are still underway. The incident took place along the Durand Line, a long-disputed border that has often been a flashpoint for tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the attack, stating that Afghan forces chose not to retaliate to prevent civilian casualties. The restrained response, he said, reflects the government’s commitment to peace and regional stability.
This escalation comes just days after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the failure of peace talks could push both nations toward a new phase of conflict.
A Fragile Border with a History of Conflict
The Durand Line, drawn during British colonial rule in 1893, has long been a source of tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kabul has never officially recognized it as an international border, viewing it instead as a colonial-era division that split Pashtun tribal lands.
Over the years, both nations have accused each other of harboring militants and violating border agreements. While Pakistan claims it acts against insurgents crossing from Afghan territory, Afghanistan accuses Islamabad of sheltering Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who target Afghan civilians and security forces.
Despite repeated peace efforts, cross-border skirmishes and artillery exchanges have continued sporadically, disrupting trade routes and displacing border communities.
Tensions Rise Despite Diplomatic Dialogue
In recent weeks, both sides have engaged in peace talks aimed at stabilizing the border and improving counterterrorism cooperation. However, Thursday’s alleged ceasefire breach has reignited mistrust.
Afghan officials said they had informed Pakistan through diplomatic channels and called for restraint and investigation. Meanwhile, Islamabad has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
Regional observers warn that if hostilities continue, it could further destabilize South Asia’s already fragile security landscape. Both countries face mounting domestic pressure to act firmly but also to preserve peace.
Adding to the uncertainty, security analysts believe that any escalation could empower extremist networks operating in the border regions, undermining years of counterterrorism efforts. The continued mistrust may also affect trade and transit projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and regional connectivity plans that depend on border stability.
The latest border clash highlights the deep-rooted distrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan. While both sides express interest in peace, the ceasefire violation threatens to derail ongoing dialogue and revive old hostilities.
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