Border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban forces escalated once again on Friday night, as both sides exchanged heavy fire along the volatile Spin Boldak–Chaman region. The clashes come barely two months after a fragile ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and Turkey, raising new concerns about stability in the region.

Residents flee as gunfire intensifies overnight

The exchange of fire began around 22:30 local time (18:00 GMT), according to Afghan residents near Spin Boldak. Videos circulating online showed civilians fleeing on foot and in vehicles as artillery rounds landed near residential areas.

A medical worker in Kandahar told BBC Pashto that four bodies were brought to a local hospital, with four others wounded in Afghanistan. Reports from Pakistan indicated three injuries on their side of the border.

Spin Boldak, located on Afghanistan’s southeastern frontier, sits along the historically contested 2,600 km Durand Line, where border incidents have become increasingly common in recent years.

Both sides blame each other for violating ceasefire

Each government has issued sharply worded statements blaming the other for initiating the violence.

Pakistan’s response

Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accused the Taliban of “unprovoked firing,” stating:

“An immediate, befitting & intense response has been given by our armed forces. Pakistan remains fully alert & committed to ensuring its territorial integrity & the safety of our citizens.”

Taliban’s counterstatement

A spokesman for the Taliban government claimed Pakistan “once again initiated attacks,” saying they were “forced to respond” after Pakistani forces allegedly fired mortar and artillery rounds.

Ali Mohammed Haqmal, head of Kandahar’s information department, said civilian homes were struck by Pakistani artillery.

Clashes follow months of strained relations

Sporadic fighting has occurred frequently in recent months, as ties between Islamabad and Kabul continue to deteriorate. This latest incident follows a ceasefire agreed less than two months ago after more than a week of intense fighting that left dozens dead—one of the worst escalations since the Taliban took power in 2021.

While the ceasefire helped pause frontline firing, political tensions remained unresolved.

Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban government of providing sanctuary to anti-Pakistan militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the Pakistan Taliban have carried out over 600 attacks on Pakistani forces in the past year.

The Taliban leadership rejects these claims, calling them an attempt to shift responsibility for Pakistan’s “own security failures.”

Peace talks in Saudi Arabia yielded no breakthrough

Just last week, delegations from both countries met in Saudi Arabia for the fourth round of negotiations aimed at reaching a broader settlement.
Sources familiar with the dialogue told BBC News that while no major agreement was reached, both sides had verbally committed to upholding the ceasefire.

Friday night’s violence threatens to undermine those efforts, raising questions about whether either side is fully in control of forces operating along the border.

Humanitarian concerns grow as civilians caught in crossfire

Residents of Spin Boldak told local reporters that they were accustomed to hearing sporadic gunfire, but Friday’s incident was significantly more intense—lasting for nearly four hours.

Many families have temporarily relocated to safer areas, fearing renewed clashes. Local officials in Kandahar say they are assessing damage to homes and monitoring displacement trends.

Humanitarian agencies working in the region have expressed concern about worsening winter conditions, which could further endanger displaced families if hostilities continue.

Long-term volatility expected unless political issues addressed

Analysts warn that without substantive agreements on border management, counter-terrorism cooperation and refugee policy, such clashes are likely to recur. The Durand Line, still disputed by Afghanistan, remains one of the world’s most sensitive and militarised borders.

As both sides trade accusations and reinforce positions, regional stability once again hangs in the balance, with civilians bearing the brunt of the consequences.