New Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clash Sparks Panic and Civilian Exodus

Pakistan-Afghanistan:
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated once again as heavy cross-border firing erupted late Friday night near the Chaman (Pakistan) and Spin Boldak (Afghanistan) border regions. Security forces from both sides exchanged intense gunfire, including mortar rounds and advanced weaponry, creating chaos and fear in the border settlements.

Crossfire After Failed Peace Talks

The escalation reportedly occurred shortly after peace negotiations held in Saudi Arabia collapsed. Both nations were engaged in diplomatic talks aimed at restoring peace along the border, but discussions fell apart, leading to renewed hostilities.

Residents Forced to Flee Without Belongings

The sudden exchange of fire sent thousands of civilians fleeing from their homes in panic. Local sources report that many families were unable to gather their belongings and escaped only with essentials—often leaving everything behind.

Eyewitnesses confirm firing began from Spin Boldak on the Afghan side, followed by retaliation from Chaman on the Pakistani side.

While the situation remains tense, no casualties have been officially reported so far.

Blame Game Continues

As in previous incidents, both nations accused each other of initiating the attack:

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid claimed Pakistani forces fired first in Spin Boldak, forcing Afghan forces to retaliate.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson, Mosharraf Zaidi, rejected Afghan claims, stating that Afghan forces fired “without provocation,” and Pakistan only responded to protect its territory and civilians.

Previous Attempts at Peace

This conflict follows multiple unsuccessful diplomatic attempts, including earlier talks in Qatar and Turkey. None of those discussions resulted in a breakthrough. The recent Saudi-hosted negotiation was seen as a last major attempt to restore stability — but with its failure, border tensions have reignited.

Situation Remains Highly Volatile

Authorities have reinforced deployment along the border, and both sides remain on high alert as fears grow of further escalation.

International observers and regional analysts warn that if diplomatic intervention is not re-initiated quickly, the border tensions could evolve into a larger and more prolonged conflict, affecting humanitarian conditions in the region.