Deadly border clashes erupted on Saturday between Afghan and Pakistani forces, leaving dozens dead and injured. The fighting broke out after Pakistani air raids targeted areas inside Afghanistan, amid accusations from Islamabad that Kabul is harbouring militant groups. Hours later, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence announced the end of military operations.
This report outlines what happened, why it matters, and how India fits into the picture.
What Triggered the Border Fighting?
The clashes unfolded along the Durand Line, the disputed 2,600-kilometre frontier separating the two countries. Fighting spread across seven Afghan border provinces, as Kabul said its operations were in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul, Khost, and Nangarhar provinces the previous week.
Pakistan, for its part, claimed it responded with artillery and small-arms fire after coming under attack. Both sides reported casualties and damage to equipment.
Islamabad later closed all major border crossings — including Torkham and Chaman — as tensions escalated.
This latest confrontation comes against a backdrop of decades-long border disputes that have worsened since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Afghanistan refuses to recognise the Durand Line as an official border, adding political and legal complexity to an already volatile situation.
What Sparked the Fighting?
According to Afghan officials, the conflict was a direct response to Pakistani airstrikes that targeted multiple Afghan provinces. Pakistan accused Kabul of sheltering Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters — a claim the Afghan government denies, asserting that Afghanistan’s territory will not be used to harm other nations.
The TTP had claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on Friday in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing 23 people, including 20 security personnel.
Reported Casualties
Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Sunday that Afghan forces captured 25 Pakistani military posts, killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, and wounded 30 in overnight operations, while nine Taliban fighters were killed.
Afghan authorities also reported 20 casualties among their own troops.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), however, claimed its forces inflicted heavy losses on Afghan Taliban fighters and the so-called “Khawarij Fitna Group” (Pakistan Taliban). The ISPR said Pakistan launched precision strikes and aerial operations on Afghan soil, destroying several training facilities and seizing 21 enemy positions along the frontier.
Islamabad reported 23 soldiers killed and 29 wounded, claiming that over 200 Afghan Taliban fighters and their allies were eliminated.
Who Are the Parties Involved?
The conflict involves multiple actors:
- Afghan Armed Forces, governed by the Taliban administration in Kabul.
- Pakistan Army, conducting cross-border operations.
- Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), accused of attacking Pakistani forces from Afghan territory.
- India, accused by Pakistan of financing and supporting the TTP.
Kabul said it halted its attacks following requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, both of which issued statements expressing concern and urging restraint.
India’s Role — Direct or Indirect?
India is not a direct party to the conflict but remains a key regional player in the geopolitical triangle involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China.
Islamabad accused New Delhi of funding and supporting the Pakistan Taliban and claimed that the Afghan Taliban and Indian-backed militants jointly attacked Pakistani forces along the border — allegations India firmly denies.
Analysts suggest that India is taking advantage of strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad to strengthen its ties with Afghanistan. New Delhi recently upgraded its diplomatic presence in Kabul, and the Afghan Foreign Minister’s visit to India signalled growing cooperation.
Indian analyst Praveen Donthi from the International Crisis Group said:
“India is expanding its influence in Kabul to avoid being outpaced by its rivals, China and Pakistan. It also seeks Afghan assurances on counter-terrorism and broader regional security cooperation.”
The Fragile Relationship Between Kabul and Islamabad
Despite announcing a cessation of hostilities, Pakistan closed major and minor border crossings, including Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan, halting trade and civilian movement.
Relations between the two neighbours remain highly strained, defined by mutual distrust and accusations of supporting militant groups.
This latest escalation highlights the fragility of their relationship and underscores their inability to establish a joint border-security framework. If tensions persist, instability could engulf the border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, providing extremist groups with an opportunity to regroup and expand their operations.
Prolonged hostilities could also invite regional interference from India, China, and Russia, something Pakistan is keen to avoid as it navigates one of the most complex security environments in South Asia.
