Pakistan and Afghanistan on High Alert After Deadly Border Clashes, Diplomacy Suspended

Digital Desk

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan and Afghanistan are in a state of high alert following a series of deadly cross-border attacks over the weekend. The clashes, which have left dozens of soldiers dead, have prompted Pakistan's Defence Minister to declare a suspension of ties with Kabul and warn that hostilities could resume "at any time" .

The recent violence began on October 9, when airstrikes hit Kabul and eastern Afghanistan, targeting bases of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an Islamist militant group . While Pakistan has not officially claimed responsibility, its military spokespersons have consistently affirmed the right to target militant hideouts originating from Afghan soil .

In retaliation, on the night of October 11, Afghan Taliban forces launched attacks on multiple Pakistani military posts along the contested Durand Line . The conflict escalated rapidly, with both sides exchanging heavy fire and incurring significant casualties.

Casualty reports remain deeply contested. The Afghan Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 25 border posts were captured . Conversely, Pakistan's military media wing, the ISPR, reported 23 soldiers killed and 29 wounded, while claiming to have "neutralised" over 200 Afghan Taliban fighters and briefly captured 21 hostile positions .

The situation remains tense, with both armies on high alert. Key border crossings at Torkham and Chaman have been sealed, stranding hundreds of people and disrupting trade . This closure exacerbates existing humanitarian challenges, leaving many Afghans stranded in Pakistan unable to return home.

The friction stems from Pakistan's long-standing accusation that the Afghan Taliban government provides sanctuary and support to the TTP, which has waged a fierce insurgency against the Pakistani state . A UN report this year corroborated that the TTP receives "substantial logistical and operational support" from the Taliban authorities in Kabul .

While Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced a temporary cessation of hostilities following diplomatic outreach from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the underlying tensions are far from resolved . With diplomatic channels frozen and military forces on standby, the risk of further escalation along the volatile Durand Line remains critically high.