Clash at the Border
Clash at the Border: Fighting broke out between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban near the border. The Taliban attacked Pakistani border posts during the night. In response, Pakistan killed over 200 Taliban fighters. The attack also martyred 23 Pakistani soldiers. The Pakistan Air Force bombed Taliban camps inside Afghanistan. One of the main targets was Asmatullah Karar Camp near Spin Boldak. This camp was a base for terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
Airstrikes Launched
To begin with, the Pakistani military destroyed many Taliban locations. In response to the attack, the army briefly seized control of 21 Taliban positions across the Afghan border. Additionally, it destroyed several training camps that were reportedly used to plan attacks against Pakistan. Through coordinated airstrikes and ground raids, Pakistan targeted Taliban posts, training sites, and support networks. As a result, the strikes caused serious damage to Taliban infrastructure.
Despite Pakistan’s desire for peace and dialogue, it clearly stated that it will not tolerate the use of Afghan land for terrorism against its people. Significantly, the military noted that the attack happened while the Taliban’s foreign minister was visiting India. According to Pakistan, India plays a role in supporting terrorism in the region. Therefore, the military warned the Taliban to take immediate action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory. Otherwise, Pakistan will continue to strike militant targets to protect its security.
No Compromise
PAF jets targeted and destroyed the Asmatullah Karar Camp, located 20 km from the Chaman border. According to reports, Afghan forces suffered heavy losses during the attack. In addition, the army destroyed Taliban posts in Baramcha and Zhob. On the following day, no new clashes were reported in Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Dubandi, or Badini. To ensure border security, Pakistan deployed more troops to the area.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both called on the Taliban to take action. Emphasizing national security, President Zardari said Pakistan would not compromise under any circumstances. He accused India of supporting terrorists operating from Afghanistan and referred to UN reports to back this claim. Urging the Taliban to act, he demanded action against these groups. Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that Pakistan would respond firmly to any attack. He reminded that Pakistan had already shared warnings with Afghanistan, but no steps were taken. He also expressed hope that the Taliban would stop allowing terrorists to use Afghan land.
Borders Closed
The Foreign Office also condemned the attack. They said the Taliban’s actions went against peace and good relations. They stated that Pakistan had the right to defend itself. Pakistan had pushed back the attackers and caused major losses. The Foreign Office said Pakistan supports peace but will protect its land and people. They warned the Taliban against any future provocations.
After the clash, Pakistan closed the Torkham and Chaman border crossings. Officials said they didn’t know when the borders would reopen. Thousands of Afghan refugees trying to return home were stranded. Pakistan sent extra troops to Torkham. Security forces also pulled out civilian staff from the border. They wanted to avoid harm in case of more fighting. Meanwhile, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran asked both sides to stay calm and avoid war.
Published in Dawn, 13th October 2025
