Four civilians were killed and several injured in a late-night exchange of fire at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing near Spin Boldak and Chaman, officials confirmed on Saturday. The incident marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two nations since deadly clashes in October this year.
Abdul Karim Jahad, governor of Afghanistan's Spin Boldak district, reported that Pakistani forces initiated "unprovoked" attacks on Friday, prompting retaliation from Taliban authorities. Pakistan, however, accused Afghan forces of firing first, with Prime Minister's spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi stating that a "befitting and intense response" was delivered.
Residents described hours of artillery and mortar fire, with Afghan officials alleging civilian homes were struck. A temporary truce brokered after October's clashes—which left over 70 dead—has repeatedly faltered, despite mediation efforts by Qatar and Türkiye. Cross-border trade remains suspended, though Pakistan recently agreed to partially reopen the Chaman crossing for UN-led aid deliveries.
Security disputes, particularly over alleged militant havens in Afghanistan, continue to strain relations. Islamabad claims Kabul shelters groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a charge Afghan authorities deny. With both sides refusing to de-escalate, analysts warn of further instability in the region.
