Tension spikes after heavy gunfire on Pakistan–Afghanistan border; Taliban releases response

Pakistan: The tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan is showing no signs of decreasing. The sudden heavy firing on the border late on Friday night once again destabilized the situation. Both the countries have already been engaged in continuous conflict and allegations and counter-allegations for several months. After this incident at night, panic spread in the area, although no casualties have been confirmed yet.

Firing took place towards Spin Boldak (Afghanistan) and Chaman (Pakistan). This is the same area that has become the center of clashes several times in the last few months. This time the incident came to light at a time when the peace talks held two days ago could not reach any conclusion. Officials of both the countries had expressed their desire to continue the talks, but the situation on the ground tells a different story.

Who started the firing?

This question is still unanswered. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the Pakistani army opened fire without any reason. On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Musharraf Zaidi claimed on the contrary that Afghan forces started firing without any provocation. This conflict in the statements of both the countries shows how deep the lack of trust is.

What is causing the stress?

Pakistan has been continuously saying that the extremist groups present in Afghanistan are carrying out attacks inside it. Islamabad argues that the Taliban government is not taking action against these groups. Afghanistan rejects these allegations and calls it Pakistan's political language. This issue comes up repeatedly in talks between the two countries, but no solution is found.

Why are peace talks failing?

The talks held in Saudi Arabia last week were promising. Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are continuously trying to reach an understanding between the two countries. But the wall of trust weakened further after the deadly clashes in October. Dozens of people were killed in the violence, which was considered the most serious incident since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Will the peace process survive?

Friday night's firing has once again raised this question. Both the countries had talked about maintaining the ceasefire, but the repeated increase in tension in the border areas shows that peace is only on paper. The lives of common people are being affected the most. Citizens living on both sides of the border are scared of the situation that could erupt at any time.