ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday firmly rejected Kabul’s accusations that it was responsible for an exchange of fire along the Pak-Afghan border near Chaman. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the firing was initiated from the Afghan side.
In an official statement posted on X, the ministry said: “We strongly reject claims circulated by the Afghan side regarding today’s incident at the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman. Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner.”
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
According to the statement, elements from across the border opened unprovoked fire on Pakistani posts. Security forces responded effectively, bringing the situation under control.
The ministry added that the ceasefire remains intact and Pakistan remains committed to dialogue with Afghan authorities. Islamabad expects reciprocal cooperation from Kabul to maintain peace and stability along the border.
A ministry spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s desire for continued negotiations and urged Afghanistan to adopt a constructive approach.
Border Tensions Amid Ongoing Talks in Istanbul
The latest incident occurred as Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban began the third round of counterterrorism talks in Istanbul. The discussions aim to stop cross-border attacks launched from Afghan territory.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan’s only demand is that “attacks from Afghan soil on Pakistani territory must stop.” He warned that if talks fail, the situation could deteriorate, stressing that Pakistan has the capacity to respond “in the same manner we are being targeted.”
Calls for Concrete Assurances from Kabul
Asif said Pakistan seeks written assurances from the Afghan Taliban, who have so far avoided committing formally. He accused India of trying to derail the talks by keeping Pakistan entangled in terrorism.
