A fresh wave of violence has erupted along the Pakistan Afghanistan border, leaving at least six Pakistani paramilitary troops dead and several others injured. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the clash broke out late Tuesday night near the Orakzai district, a long-standing flashpoint between the two countries.
The Pakistan Army claimed that armed militants from the Afghan side launched an attack on their border posts, initially using light weapons and later resorting to heavy artillery and mortars. In retaliation, Pakistani forces fired back across the border. Afghan officials, however, accused Pakistan of initiating the skirmish, forcing them to respond. Reports from Kabul suggest that around fifteen Afghan civilians were also killed during the exchange of fire.
This incident comes just days after both nations agreed to a temporary ceasefire following a previous round of border clashes. However, the renewed bloodshed has deepened mistrust and tension between Islamabad and Kabul. Analysts observe that the once close relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban regime is deteriorating rapidly, as cross-border violence becomes increasingly frequent.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence stated that the country will take “necessary steps” to safeguard its sovereignty and warned that provocations from Afghanistan will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, the international community has expressed concern over the escalating situation, urging both sides to resolve their disputes through dialogue and restraint.
The latest border flare-up has added a new layer of instability to the already fragile security environment in South Asia, threatening not only bilateral relations but also regional peace and balance.
