Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Tensions Persist Despite Ongoing Peace Negotiations in Turkey

Islamabad has been accusing Kabul of providing shelter to terrorist organizations while peace negotiations continue in Turkey.

Afghan officials reported that Pakistani forces conducted brief cross-border firing on Thursday, coinciding with ongoing negotiations in Turkey aimed at finalizing a ceasefire agreement following recent deadly border clashes.

The talks in Istanbul are focused on cementing the October 19 truce that was approved in Qatar, which had ended a week of violent confrontations between the neighboring countries.

Security concerns remain the central issue in their dispute, with Pakistan claiming that Afghanistan harbors terrorist groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), who carry out attacks within Pakistani territory—allegations consistently denied by the Taliban government.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated on X: "While the third round of negotiations with the Pakistani side has begun in Istanbul, unfortunately, this afternoon Pakistani forces once again opened fire on Spin Boldak, causing concern among the local population."

He added, "The Islamic Emirate's forces, out of respect for the negotiation team and to prevent civilian casualties, have so far shown no reaction."

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for Taliban authorities, expressed uncertainty about the motives behind Pakistan's actions, telling AFP that discussions in Turkey were continuing despite the incident.

The head of the information department in Kandahar province, Ali Mohammed Haqmal, confirmed the firing was brief. Local residents reported to AFP that it lasted approximately 10-15 minutes.

AFP's requests for comment received no immediate response from the Pakistani military.

An anonymous Afghan military source claimed, "Pakistan used light and heavy weapons and targeted civilian areas."

The Istanbul negotiations reached a stalemate last week when attempting to finalize ceasefire details, with both parties accusing each other of being uncooperative.

Each side has warned that hostilities could resume if the talks fail.

Turkey, hosting the negotiations, announced at the conclusion of last week's discussions that the parties had agreed to establish a "monitoring and verification mechanism" designed to maintain peace and hold violators accountable.

According to United Nations reports, fifty civilians were killed and 447 others wounded on the Afghan side during the October clashes, with at least five people dying in explosions in Kabul.

The Pakistani army reported 23 soldiers killed and 29 wounded, without mentioning civilian casualties.

The Taliban government continues to emphasize its demand that Afghanistan's territorial sovereignty be respected.