The Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistan has carried out strikes in Afghanistan. Mujahid said that Pakistan bombed Khost province. In a social media post, he said that Pakistan also carried out air strikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces.
Zabiullah Mujahid, nonetheless, did not share further details regarding casualties or damage.
Suicide Attack in Peshawar Adds to Regional Tensions
The alleged strike surfaced the same day a deadly suicide attack targeted the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar. The attack martyred three personnel and injured twelve others. Authorities increased security across sensitive installations after the blast. The incident further deepened tensions already strained between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Officials continue investigating the source of the terror attack.
Relations Strain Over TTP-Linked Security Concerns
Pakistan’s recent bilateral relations with Afghanistan have remained tense. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan continues to be the primary point of contention between the two neighbours. Pakistan has repeatedly demanded that Kabul prevent cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil. However, the Afghan Taliban deny Islamabad’s allegations and reject claims of militant safe havens. Both sides remain far apart on security-related expectations.
Dialogue Attempts Fail to Produce Breakthrough
During October, both countries attempted dialogue after border clashes. Officials met to discuss mechanisms for lasting peace and stability. The second round of talks began on October 25 in Ankara but failed to produce a workable solution. Mediators Turkiye and Qatar intervened to prevent a complete collapse of the process. Ankara later announced that further discussions would continue in Istanbul.
Efforts Collapse After Third Round of Talks
On November 7, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that negotiations addressing cross-border terrorism had ended. He said the process entered an indefinite phase after the sides failed to bridge key differences. Following the breakdown of talks, the Afghan Taliban suspended all trade ties with Pakistan. Pakistan had already closed its border for commercial activity after the October clashes.
Regional Diplomacy Stalls Amid Complexities
Turkiye later announced plans to send senior officials to Pakistan to discuss tensions with Kabul. Pakistan welcomed the diplomatic efforts on November 14. However, the visit has not materialised as complexities persist. Last week, the Foreign Office stated that trade with Afghanistan would resume only after Kabul ends cross-border terrorism. It also linked major regional energy projects to the Afghan Taliban halting support for terrorist groups.
