October 15 — Pakistani and Afghan security forces engaged in overnight clashes in a northwestern border region, resulting in at least one fighter killed and several others injured, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The fighting occurred in Pakistan’s Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan’s Khost province, on the night of October 14–15. Pakistan’s state-run media reported that Afghan forces initiated unprovoked fire on a Pakistani border post, prompting a retaliatory response that damaged Afghan military positions. Tahir Ahrar, deputy police spokesperson in Afghanistan’s Khost province, confirmed the clashes but provided no further details.
This marks the second major clash along the 2,600-kilometer Durand Line this week, following earlier violence on October 11–12 that left dozens dead on both sides. Pakistan accused Afghan Taliban forces of starting the earlier skirmishes, while Kabul claimed they were retaliating against Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s defense ministry claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in those clashes — a figure Pakistan dismissed as exaggerated.
On Wednesday, October 15, both nations agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire beginning at 6:00 p.m. local time, following appeals from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Despite the truce, intermittent gunfire continued in some areas, and major border crossings such as Torkham and Chaman remained closed for a second consecutive day, stranding over 2,000 trucks and disrupting trade. Shelling in Chaman and Spin Boldak districts forced residents to flee, with reports indicating that civilian areas were hit.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Afghan actions, stating, “There will be no compromise on Pakistan’s defence, and every provocation will be met with a strong and effective response.” Islamabad has urged the Taliban to rein in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants operating from Afghan soil. Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warned that future Pakistani incursions would face a “more severe” response.
International concern is mounting, with China urging protection for its investments, Russia calling for restraint, and the United States monitoring developments closely. The ongoing clashes continue to strain trade, with Pakistan supplying most of Afghanistan’s imports.
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