Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
In a significant escalation of tensions, Pakistani and Afghan border forces exchanged gunfire on Wednesday at the Nushki border, a crucial point linking Pakistan’s Balochistan province with Afghanistan. The confrontation reportedly ignited during repair work on the border fence conducted by Pakistani forces, as reported by state-run Pakistan Television.
According to unnamed security sources, the clash resulted in substantial casualties among Afghan border guards, who Pakistani officials claim initiated the firing. There has been no immediate response from Afghan authorities regarding the incident.
This altercation marks another chapter in the long-standing pattern of sporadic clashes at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which have persisted even after the Taliban’s rise to power in August 2021. The two nations share 18 border crossing points, with Torkham and Chaman being the busiest. However, the border remains a contentious issue, as Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line—the de facto border established in 1893 during British colonial rule—arguing it was designed to divide ethnic Pashtuns. Conversely, Pakistan insists that the Durand Line is a permanent boundary.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely for any developments in this volatile region. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
