Afghan officials said that they killed at least 58 Pakistani soldiers during overnight clashes, prompting Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to denounce Afghanistan's ‘provocations’ along the border and promise a "strong and effective response."
Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the Associated Press that Afghan forces had taken 25 Pakistani army posts and killed 58 soldiers. Though no formal confirmation has been provided yet.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acclaimed Pakistan’s armed forces for their “robust and effective response” to the attacks.
Sharif said, “We take great pride in the professional excellence of our armed forces,”... “Under the bold leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army not only gave a firm and fitting response to Afghanistan’s aggression but also destroyed several of their posts, forcing retreat. There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence. Every act of aggression will be met with a strong and effective response.”
Durand Line recognition
The two neighboring nations, Pakistan and Afghanistan, share a 2,611-kilometer border line, known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognized. Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have always remained tense since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Pakistan is now accusing Afghan authorities of sheltering militants, who are responsible for cross-border attacks, but the Taliban denied this allegation. Highlighting this concern, Sharif also said Pakistan has repeatedly provided evidence to Afghanistan about the presence of terrorist groups such as “Fitna-tul-Khawarij” and “Fitna-tul-Hindustan,” who use Afghan soil to carry out attacks.
The prime minister reaffirmed that Pakistan "knows how to protect every inch of its territory" and its defense "rests in capable hands.". He added that the nation's military has consistently provided "a decisive and befitting reply to any form of external aggression.". Sharif was quoted by AFP as saying, "There will be no compromise on Pakistan's defense, and every provocation will be met with a strong and effective response." Sharif accused Taliban authorities of permitting attacks against Pakistan by "terrorist elements" using Afghan territory.
According to a Reuters report, following the clashes, Pakistan reportedly closed all major border crossings with Afghanistan, including the Torkham route.
