Heavy fighting along the Pakistan–Afghanistan frontier has forced Islamabad to shut multiple crossings, as both sides report significant casualties. Independent verification remains unavailable.
Rising Tensions Along the Durand Line
Fierce exchanges of fire erupted along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border between October 11 and 12, 2025, prompting Pakistan to close major crossings — including Torkham and Chaman — and suspend movement across several smaller routes.
Both Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on the other. Pakistan’s military reported high militant casualties, while Afghan officials alleged dozens of Pakistani soldiers were killed. None of these figures have been independently confirmed.
Historical Context: The Durand Line Dispute
The Durand Line has long been a flashpoint between the two neighbours — a porous border often used by militant groups. Pakistan accuses the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of operating from Afghan territory and staging attacks within Pakistan. The Taliban government in Kabul denies offering sanctuary to TTP leaders.
Tensions surged after Pakistan reportedly conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting TTP leadership, triggering retaliatory cross-border operations. The confrontation underscores deep-rooted mistrust over militancy, border control, and sovereignty.
Timeline of Recent Events
9–10 October 2025:
Pakistan confirmed airstrikes near Kabul and in eastern Afghan provinces, claiming to target TTP leaders responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul, however, said the strikes hit urban areas.
11–12 October 2025:
Intense gunfire and artillery exchanges erupted along multiple sectors of the Durand Line. Pakistan reported militant assaults on forward posts, while the Taliban claimed to have killed dozens of Pakistani soldiers. Both sides released conflicting casualty numbers.
12 October 2025:
Pakistan temporarily closed all major crossings — Torkham, Chaman, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan— for security assessments, halting regular trade and transit.
Conflicting Casualty Reports
Pakistan’s Account:
Pakistan’s military, through ISPR, acknowledged casualties within its ranks — unofficially reported at 23 soldiers killed— and claimed to have eliminated over 200 Afghan-aligned fighters.
Afghanistan’s Account:
Taliban officials countered, asserting that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed during their defensive operations.
Verification:
No independent sources have confirmed these claims. Both narratives remain unverified as of this report.
Official Statements
Pakistan:
Islamabad described its actions as defensive, asserting its right to retaliate against attacks on border posts. Officials emphasized that operations were directed against militants, not Afghan security forces. The Foreign Office urged restraint and reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on preventing cross-border militancy.
Afghan Taliban Administration:
Kabul denied harbouring TTP elements but claimed its forces acted in response to Pakistani airspace violations. Taliban spokesmen reported higher Pakistani fatalities than Islamabad acknowledged.
Regional and International Reactions:
Diplomatic channels — notably Qatar and Saudi Arabia — have reportedly engaged both governments, urging dialogue and de-escalation. International media have highlighted the lack of verified information and called for caution in reporting casualty figures.
Humanitarian and Civilian Impact
The border closures have disrupted trade routes and daily movement, straining border communities reliant on cross-border commerce. Local authorities report displacement and heightened security patrols in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while aid agencies monitor potential humanitarian fallout.
Analysis: Escalation Risks and Strategic Implications
The renewed clashes underline the fragility of the Durand Line, where unresolved territorial disputes, militant sanctuaries, and competing sovereignty claims fuel recurring conflict.
Without independent verification or confidence-building mechanisms, both countries risk further escalation. Analysts warn that militant factions could exploit the instability if diplomacy falters.
Sustainable de-escalation, experts suggest, will require joint monitoring frameworks, third-party mediation, and mutual trust — all of which remain in short supply.
Sources
Â
Reuters: “Pakistan closes border with Afghanistan following exchanges of fire.”
Reuters: “Dozens killed in Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes, border closed.”
Al Jazeera: Live coverage and situational updates.
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Official press briefings.
Dawn: Local reporting and on-ground security updates.
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