ISLAMABAD: Intense exchange of fire continued for several hours along theChaman border crossing in Balochistan on Thursday as Afghan Taliban forcesinitiated unprovoked firing on Pakistani positions, prompting a strong andmeasured response from the Pakistan Army.
According to security officials, the incident began in the afternoon whenAfghan personnel opened fire with light and heavy weapons on Pakistan’sFriendship Gate and surrounding border posts. The Pakistan Army returnedfire immediately, employing both small arms and heavy weaponry toneutralise the threat and protect national territory.
Initial reports from the border area indicate that several Afghan borderposts sustained significant damage during the engagement. Unconfirmedcasualty figures have emerged from the Afghan side, though Pakistaniauthorities have not released details of losses on their own side. Localadministration temporarily suspended all cross-border movement and tradeactivities through the Bab-e-Dosti gate as a precautionary measure.
Military sources described the Pakistani response as decisive yetrestrained, aimed at restoring calm while sending a clear message againstany violation of sovereignty. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) isexpected to issue an official statement once the situation stabilisescompletely.
The Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing remains one of the busiest trade andtransit routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Similar incidents haveoccurred periodically since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul inAugust 2021, largely attributed to disagreements over border fencing andalleged support for anti-Taliban elements. Pakistan has completed more than90 per cent of the fencing along the 2,611-kilometre Durand Line, a projectconsistently opposed by successive Afghan governments.
The clash comes at a time when bilateral relations remain strained overissues of terrorism, transit trade restrictions, and the treatment ofAfghan refugees in Pakistan. Diplomatic channels between Islamabad andKabul have frequently been used in the past to de-escalate such situations.
Local residents on the Pakistani side reported hearing heavy gunfire andexplosions for several hours. Hospitals in Chaman have been placed on highalert to receive any casualties. Authorities urged citizens to avoid theborder area until complete normalcy returns.
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The federal government is monitoring the situation closely, with theInterior Ministry in direct contact with relevant authorities inBalochistan. Senior officials emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to defendingevery inch of its territory while expressing hope that Afghan authoritieswould take measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Source: https://www.ispr.gov.pkSource: https://www.radio.gov.pk
Tags: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Taliban, Chaman, Durand Line, ISPR
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