Taliban humiliates Pakistan, hangs soldiers’ trousers as deadly border war sparks Afghan unity

National News: The Afghanistan-Pakistan border has turned into a war zone after Taliban fighters captured multiple Pakistani outposts. Images of Taliban fighters displaying trousers and weapons of fleeing Pakistani soldiers went viral. These scenes became symbolic of Pakistan’s retreat during heavy clashes near the Durand Line. The fighting has escalated well beyond small skirmishes, turning into full-scale confrontations across several districts.

Airstrikes kill Afghan civilians

Pakistan launched retaliatory airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar, killing at least 15 civilians and injuring over 100. The strikes targeted areas linked to Taliban operations, but most victims were residents. Afghan officials condemned Islamabad’s actions as repeated violations of their sovereignty. The bombings deepened public anger in Afghanistan, uniting people behind the Taliban government against what they called Pakistani aggression.

Afghans vow to defend homeland

Ordinary Afghans came out strongly in support of the Taliban fighters. Residents of Kandahar and Paktia said they were ready to join the battlefield if needed. Local voices described Pakistan’s actions as oppression, while praising the Taliban for giving a strong response. People declared they would defend their homeland under the Islamic Emirate, rejecting foreign interference in Afghanistan’s affairs.

Taliban claims heavy Pakistani losses

Taliban fighters said they killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and destroyed 20 security posts during counterattacks. Videos showed Taliban troops parading seized Pakistani tanks and displaying abandoned uniforms. The images of empty trousers and captured rifles quickly spread on social media, becoming a powerful symbol of humiliation for Pakistan. Afghan officials claimed the clashes showcased Taliban’s military strength and resilience.

Pakistan reports hundreds killed

Islamabad, meanwhile, claimed that its operations eliminated more than 200 Taliban fighters and allies. Officials justified the strikes by citing Taliban support for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps inside Afghanistan. The Pakistani government, however, has faced mounting criticism for escalating violence. Analysts believe Islamabad underestimated the scale of Taliban resistance and now risks prolonged hostilities along the disputed border.

Durand Line at the center

At the heart of the conflict lies the Durand Line, a colonial-era border never accepted by Afghans or Pashtuns living on both sides. The line has long been a source of clashes and resentment. Over the weekend, firefights broke out at seven different points along this border. Both armies traded heavy fire, each claiming to inflict major casualties on the other.

Ceasefire brings fragile calm

A 48-hour ceasefire was brokered with the help of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, after Pakistan requested urgent mediation. Officials in Kabul said Afghans will continue to defend their land if attacks resume. Residents of the capital vowed to stand by the Taliban-led security forces. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, and the conflict risks spiraling into a larger regional crisis.