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In a dramatic turn of events, the Afghan Taliban have accused Pakistan of launching cross-border shelling into the Spin Boldak region, even as both sides were engaged in ongoing ceasefire discussions. The reported attack took place while representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistan were participating in peace negotiations in Istanbul — an incident that has now cast a shadow over the fragile truce efforts.
According to the Taliban’s official statement, Pakistani forces fired both light and heavy weapons into Afghan territory, allegedly targeting civilian areas along the border. The Taliban claimed they deliberately avoided retaliating to prevent escalation and to show restraint during the ongoing dialogue. The group emphasized that their response was guided by a desire to protect civilians and to preserve the integrity of ongoing peace efforts.
This latest episode comes on the heels of repeated border clashes between the two nations. Earlier this year, heavy exchanges of fire reportedly killed over 70 people — including dozens of Afghan civilians — along the frontier. A temporary ceasefire, announced in October, was seen as a step toward reducing tensions, but the recent incident has revived fears that both countries may be slipping back into confrontation.
While the Taliban accuse Pakistan of violating the ceasefire without provocation, Islamabad claims that its forces responded only after receiving fire from the Afghan side. This conflicting narrative has deepened mistrust between the two neighbors, already struggling with decades of political instability, refugee crises, and militant activity near their border regions.
Security experts say the timing of this attack is particularly concerning. The Istanbul talks were expected to finalize practical steps toward maintaining peace and establishing clearer communication channels between border forces. Instead, the latest shelling has triggered skepticism about Pakistan’s intentions and the effectiveness of ongoing negotiations.
Local residents near the Spin Boldak crossing have expressed fear and frustration as border violence disrupts their livelihoods yet again. Many families in the area depend on cross-border trade and have already suffered losses due to recurring tensions and temporary closures of the crossing.
Diplomatic observers believe that unless both countries recommit to transparent dialogue and independent monitoring, the fragile peace process could collapse entirely. They also warn that continued hostilities could fuel regional instability, impacting trade routes, civilian safety, and diplomatic relations across South Asia.
For now, the ceasefire remains uncertain. The Taliban have urged Pakistan to adhere to its commitments and to prevent further violations, while Islamabad continues to maintain that its military actions were defensive. As both sides trade accusations, civilians on the ground once again bear the heaviest burden of a conflict that refuses to fade.
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