Afghanistan blocks Pakistan’s top officials thrice, border tensions escalate into diplomatic deadlock

International News: Afghanistan has shocked Islamabad by rejecting visa requests of Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, intelligence chief Asim Malik, and two senior military officials. Reports say the denial happened three times in just three days. Afghan broadcaster TOLONews revealed this decision, calling it a clear signal of deep mistrust. The move has left Pakistan embarrassed, as high-level talks on border security were expected but never materialized due to the visa refusals.

Border clashes worsen fragile relations

The denials came right after fresh border clashes between the two countries. Over the weekend, Pakistani jets carried out airstrikes near Kabul, claiming to target militants of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In retaliation, Afghan fighters opened fire at Pakistani positions, intensifying hostility. Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul of sheltering terrorists who plot attacks in Pakistan, while the Taliban insists Afghan soil is not being misused.

Kabul accuses Pakistan of sheltering ISIS-K

In a counter-charge, Afghan officials have alleged that Pakistan harbours leaders of the Islamic State’s Khorasan branch (ISIS-K). Kabul has demanded that these figures be handed over to the Taliban. On Sunday, Taliban authorities claimed they killed 58 Pakistani troops during overnight clashes, a claim Pakistan strongly disputes. The Taliban also admitted losing nine of its own fighters, underlining the heavy cost of the conflict.

Conflicting death tolls deepen confusion

Pakistan’s military issued its own figures, stating that 23 of its soldiers were killed along with more than 200 Taliban fighters and allies. The stark difference in numbers shows both sides are using propaganda to strengthen their positions. Such contradictory statements have left the international community uncertain about the real scale of bloodshed on the border.

Taliban stresses dialogue not conflict

In Kabul, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid insisted that Afghanistan does not want war with Pakistan or any neighbour. He repeated the Taliban’s long-standing stance that war is not the solution and dialogue must prevail. His statement came at a press briefing aimed at calming fears, though few were convinced given the recent surge in cross-border clashes and the refusal to meet Pakistani leaders.

Foreign appeals halt escalation briefly

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, visiting India, confirmed that Qatar and Saudi Arabia intervened to push for an immediate halt to hostilities. He said Taliban operations achieved their objectives before allies called for restraint. According to Muttaqi, Afghanistan remains committed to peace with all its neighbours, but he stressed that Kabul will defend its sovereignty if provoked again by Pakistan.

Border closures add to crisis

The fighting has already disrupted normal life at the border. A senior Pakistani official confirmed that crossings for vehicles and pedestrians are completely closed. Trade offices and administrative posts have also shut down, halting all movement of goods and people. With no resolution in sight, the visa refusals, border closures, and rising death tolls highlight just how fragile relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have become.