Calm Returns to Chaman Border After Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes Subside
Updated: Dec 07, 2025 04:19 IST
Chaman, Pakistan, witnessed a return to tranquility on Saturday, following intense clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan the previous day. At least three civilians were injured on Friday night and treated at the local Chaman hospital. Five individuals sustained injuries on the Afghan side, according to government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat.
Officials revealed that the Afghan forces initiated the conflict by firing mortar rounds in the Badani area, prompting Pakistan's security forces to respond in kind. The Afghan Taliban's Zabihullah Mujahid countered, accusing Pakistan of initiating the attack on Spin Boldak, with their forces retaliating.
A statement released on Saturday morning emphasized, 'The Afghan Taliban regime initiated unprovoked firing along the Chaman border, prompting an immediate, intense, and befitting response from our armed forces.' It further assured, 'Pakistan remains vigilant and committed to safeguarding its territorial integrity and the well-being of its citizens.'
A senior official in Quetta, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the exchange of fire commenced around 10 p.m. and persisted through the night.
This incident occurred amidst stalled negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following three rounds of talks in Istanbul that failed to yield progress. Border tensions initially escalated on October 11, with relations remaining strained due to the ongoing presence of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a contentious issue between the two nations.
Pakistan has consistently urged Kabul to take measures to curb cross-border terrorism. The Foreign Office has expressed Pakistan's readiness to continue talks with Afghanistan. A temporary ceasefire was announced on October 15, following discussions in Doha. Both sides agreed to reconvene in Istanbul for peace and stability arrangements.
However, the talks faced setbacks, with the second round in October 25 in Istanbul deemed unsuccessful by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Mediators Turkiye and Qatar intervened, issuing a joint statement on October 31, committing to further discussions and a principal-level meeting in Istanbul on November 6.
Despite these efforts, the November 7 discussions led to a stalemate, with Defense Minister Khawaja declaring the talks addressing cross-border terrorism 'over' and 'indefinite' due to unresolved differences. Following the collapse of negotiations, the Afghan Taliban suspended trade ties with Pakistan, which Pakistan had already halted post-clashes.
