Pakistan said Thursday that the burden of ending its cross-border conflict lay with Afghanistan, as the two sides held preliminary talks to try to end hostilities.The neighbours and one-time allies have been locked in an escalating conflict over claims from Islamabad that Afghanistan is harbouring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, which the Taliban government denies.Negotiations in Urumqi, in northwest China, were announced Wednesday by Pakistan, after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelled to Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi told reporters in the capital that the government hoped for a "durable solution"."Our participation (in talks) is a reiteration of our core concerns," he said."The burden of real process, however, lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions against terrorist groups using (its) soil against Pakistan."Following China's request for talks, the Taliban government said it had sent a "mid-level delegation" to Urumqi.The Afghan side "intends to hold comprehensive and responsible talks with the other side on good neighbourliness, strengthening trade relations, and effective management of security issues", foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said.Pakistan described the negotiations as "working level talks"."Our delegation has not returned yet," Islamabad's foreign ministry spokesman said.Beijing deployed a special envoy to try to broker a deal last month, but the diplomatic effort was followed by Pakistani strikes on a Kabul rehab centre that prompted international condemnation.More than 400 people were killed in the attack, according to Afghan officials, which Islamabad said targeted military installations.The two sides then announced a pause in fighting to mark the end of Ramadan, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.But sporadic attacks have been reported in border areas since the temporary truce ended.Taliban deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said in a post on X that Pakistan had carried out "continuous mortar, rocket and drone attacks" since Wednesday in Kunar, Paktika and Khost provinces.Those attacks left two children dead and 25 people -- most of them children -- wounded, he said.Earlier, Kunar's provincial information chief Najib Hanif told AFP that two civilians were killed in Pakistani shelling on Wednesday.While addressing hostilities with its neighbour, Pakistan has also been engaged in a flurry of diplomacy to try to bring Washington and Tehran to the table and end their war.China has backed Pakistan's efforts, aligning itself with the aims of Gulf countries affected by the spread of the conflict in the region.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The two sides then announced a pause in fighting to mark the end of Ramadan, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. But sporadic attacks have been reported in border areas since the temporary truce ended.

Pakistan said Thursday that the burden of ending its cross-border conflict lay with Afghanistan, as the two sides held preliminary talks to try to end hostilities. The neighbours and one-time allies have been locked in an escalating conflict over claims from Islamabad that Afghanistan is harbouring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, which the Taliban government denies. Negotiations in Urumqi, in northwest China, were announced Wednesday by Pakistan, after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelled to Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi told reporters in the capital that the government hoped for a "durable solution". "Our participation (in talks) is a reiteration of our core concerns," he said. "The burden of real process, however, lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions against terrorist groups using (its) soil against Pakistan." Following China's request for talks, the Taliban government said it had sent a "mid-level delegation" to Urumqi. The Afghan side "intends to hold comprehensive and responsible talks with the other side on good neighbourliness, strengthening trade relations, and effective management of security issues", foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said. Pakistan described the negotiations as "working level talks". "Our delegation has not returned yet," Islamabad's foreign ministry spokesman said. Beijing deployed a special envoy to try to broker a deal last month, but the diplomatic effort was followed by Pakistani strikes on a Kabul rehab centre that prompted international condemnation. More than 400 people were killed in the attack, according to Afghan officials, which Islamabad said targeted military installations. The two sides then announced a pause in fighting to mark the end of Ramadan, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. But sporadic attacks have been reported in border areas since the temporary truce ended. Taliban deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said in a post on X that Pakistan had carried out "continuous mortar, rocket and drone attacks" since Wednesday in Kunar, Paktika and Khost provinces. Those attacks left two children dead and 25 people -- most of them children -- wounded, he said. Earlier, Kunar's provincial information chief Najib Hanif told AFP that two civilians were killed in Pakistani shelling on Wednesday. While addressing hostilities with its neighbour, Pakistan has also been engaged in a flurry of diplomacy to try to bring Washington and Tehran to the table and end their war. China has backed Pakistan's efforts, aligning itself with the aims of Gulf countries affected by the spread of the conflict in the region. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The two sides then announced a pause in fighting to mark the end of Ramadan, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. But sporadic attacks have been reported in border areas since the temporary truce ended.

Pakistan says burden of ending hostilities lays with Afghanistan

Cross-border fighting between Afghanistan Taliban and Pakistani forces has escalated further. In latest development, Afghan Air Force’s attacked key Pakistani military installations on Monday (March 2), including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Corps headquarters in Quetta, the Khowizoo Camp in Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Ghulni military bases, with the help of drone aircraft.&nbsp;A video has also been shared on social media platforms by the Afghan Air Force showing a drone attack on the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. The attack was in response to the recent aerial incursions by the Pakistani military, said the Afghanistan's defence ministry while sharing the post.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-chairs-cabinet-committee-on-security-meeting-as-war-in-west-asia-escalates-israel-iran-us-war-1772419215941">PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meeting as war in West Asia escalates</a>&nbsp;"Today, the Air Force of the Ministry of National Defense conducted precise and coordinated aerial operations against key military installations in Pakistan targeting the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Division headquarters in Quetta (Balochistan), the Khwazai Camp in the Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as several other significant Pakistani military facilities and command centers," the ministry said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Afghan govt releases visuals of drone that was launched ystdy on Pakistan, including on Nur Khan airbase. <a href="https://t.co/HX8ptl37xg">https://t.co/HX8ptl37xg</a> <a href="https://t.co/iCYMazT1Zs">pic.twitter.com/iCYMazT1Zs</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/2028301107588653538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Pakistan declares "open war" against Afghanistan Taliban</h2>&nbsp;Pakistan on Feb 27 declared "open war" against Afghanistan Taliban after a sharp escalation in cross-border fighting. Pakistani army has claimed to have killed more than 270 Taliban fighters and injured over 400 others in airstrikes. The escalation has led to world leaders including US showing concerns.&nbsp;The cross‑border attacks and deadly clashes along the Durand Line, the bone of contention between Pakistan and Afghanistan prompted the Pakistani air force to launch an air strike against Afghanistan Taliban.&nbsp;Pakistan claims it launched the strike to target Militant hideouts it believes launched attacks against its forces from Afghan territory.&nbsp;Dubbed Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, the strikes hit camps and bases of "terror outfits" like the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), whom Islamabad accuses of using Afghanistan as their hideouts.&nbsp;

The drone attack was in response to the recent aerial incursions by the Pakistani military, said the Afghanistans defence ministry while sharing the video.

Cross-border fighting between Afghanistan Taliban and Pakistani forces has escalated further. In latest development, Afghan Air Force’s attacked key Pakistani military installations on Monday (March 2), including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Corps headquarters in Quetta, the Khowizoo Camp in Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Ghulni military bases, with the help of drone aircraft. A video has also been shared on social media platforms by the Afghan Air Force showing a drone attack on the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. The attack was in response to the recent aerial incursions by the Pakistani military, said the Afghanistan's defence ministry while sharing the post. ALSO READ: PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meeting as war in West Asia escalates "Today, the Air Force of the Ministry of National Defense conducted precise and coordinated aerial operations against key military installations in Pakistan targeting the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Division headquarters in Quetta (Balochistan), the Khwazai Camp in the Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as several other significant Pakistani military facilities and command centers," the ministry said.

The drone attack was in response to the recent aerial incursions by the Pakistani military, said the Afghanistan's defence ministry while sharing the video.

WATCH: Afghanistan Taliban carry out drone attack on Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase

Amid military escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, an explosion was heard in central Kabul before dawn on Sunday (Mar 1), according to media reports. The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft.“Anti-aircraft fire is being directed at Pakistani aircraft in Kabul; residents should not be alarmed,” Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X.Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. In response, Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes on Islamabad.&nbsp;Pakistan has already declared “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's “patience has reached its limit.”Earlier on Saturday (Feb 28), Afghanistan captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city. Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police.However, Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were “totally untrue”. Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, “That's a false claim. Totally untrue”.Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of killing civilians in multiple air raids, claims Islamabad has not directly addressed. Afghan officials say Pakistani shelling and air strikes have killed at least 30 civilians across the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika since Thursday.&nbsp;Both sides have traded heavy casualty figures that remain independently unverified. Pakistan says nearly 300 Afghan soldiers and militants have been killed, while Afghanistan claims more than 80 Pakistani troops died and 27 military posts were captured.The conflict marks a sharp escalation, with analysts noting that Pakistan’s recent strikes have targeted Afghan government facilities — a shift from previous operations aimed at militant hideouts. Diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China have so far failed to secure a ceasefire, as Islamabad declared “open war” and Kabul called for dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft.

Amid military escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan, an explosion was heard in central Kabul before dawn on Sunday (Mar 1), according to media reports. The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft. “Anti-aircraft fire is being directed at Pakistani aircraft in Kabul; residents should not be alarmed,” Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. In response, Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes on Islamabad. Pakistan has already declared “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's “patience has reached its limit.” Earlier on Saturday (Feb 28), Afghanistan captured a Pakistani pilot after a jet crashed in Jalalabad city. Reports suggest that the pilot managed to escape the plane crash using a parachute but was captured alive by the Afghanistani military and police. However, Islamabad's foreign ministry on Saturday said Afghanistan's military's claims of downing a Pakistani jet and capturing a pilot were “totally untrue”. Talking to AFP, the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, “That's a false claim. Totally untrue”. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of killing civilians in multiple air raids, claims Islamabad has not directly addressed. Afghan officials say Pakistani shelling and air strikes have killed at least 30 civilians across the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar and Paktika since Thursday. Both sides have traded heavy casualty figures that remain independently unverified. Pakistan says nearly 300 Afghan soldiers and militants have been killed, while Afghanistan claims more than 80 Pakistani troops died and 27 military posts were captured. The conflict marks a sharp escalation, with analysts noting that Pakistan’s recent strikes have targeted Afghan government facilities — a shift from previous operations aimed at militant hideouts. Diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China have so far failed to secure a ceasefire, as Islamabad declared “open war” and Kabul called for dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

The blast was followed by multiple rounds of gunfire as the Afghan Taliban government said their forces were shooting at Pakistani aircraft.

Blasts, gunfire heard in Kabul as Afghanistan says shooting Pakistani aircraft

Cross-border fighting between Afghanistan Taliban and Pakistani forces has escalated to the extent that Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. Pakistani army has claimed to have killed more than 270 Taliban fighters and injured over 400 others in airstrikes. The escalation has led to world leaders including US showing concerns.<h2>Will Trump intervene?</h2>&nbsp;Responding to a question on the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan Taliban, US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan and its "great Prime Minister, General".&nbsp;“Well, I would (intervene), but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well. Very, very well. You have a great Prime Minister, you have a great general there, you have a great leader, two of the people that I really respect a lot,” said Trump.&nbsp;This means, the US President has not completely closed the doors on mediating between the two nations. However, any immediate step by Trump doesn't seem like a possibility.&nbsp;Praising Pakistani leadership further he said, Islamabad is “doing terrifically well” in its border clashes with Afghanistan.<h2>Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict</h2>&nbsp;The cross‑border attacks and deadly clashes along the Durand Line, the bone of contention between Pakistan and Afghanistan prompted the Pakistani air force to launch an air strike against Afghanistan Taliban.&nbsp;Pakistan claims it launched the strike to target Militant hideouts it believes launched attacks against its forces from Afghan territory.&nbsp;Dubbed Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, the strikes hit camps and bases of "terror outfits" like the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), whom Islamabad accuses of using Afghanistan as their hideouts.&nbsp;

Responding to a question on the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan Taliban, US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan and its great Prime Minister, General.

Cross-border fighting between Afghanistan Taliban and Pakistani forces has escalated to the extent that Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. Pakistani army has claimed to have killed more than 270 Taliban fighters and injured over 400 others in airstrikes. The escalation has led to world leaders including US showing concerns. Will Trump intervene? Responding to a question on the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan Taliban, US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan and its "great Prime Minister, General". “Well, I would (intervene), but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well. Very, very well. You have a great Prime Minister, you have a great general there, you have a great leader, two of the people that I really respect a lot,” said Trump. This means, the US President has not completely closed the doors on mediating between the two nations. However, any immediate step by Trump doesn't seem like a possibility. Praising Pakistani leadership further he said, Islamabad is “doing terrifically well” in its border clashes with Afghanistan. Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict The cross‑border attacks and deadly clashes along the Durand Line, the bone of contention between Pakistan and Afghanistan prompted the Pakistani air force to launch an air strike against Afghanistan Taliban. Pakistan claims it launched the strike to target Militant hideouts it believes launched attacks against its forces from Afghan territory. Dubbed Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, the strikes hit camps and bases of "terror outfits" like the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), whom Islamabad accuses of using Afghanistan as their hideouts.

Responding to a question on the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan Taliban, US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan and its "great Prime Minister, General".

Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict: Islamabad is 'doing terrifically well', says Trump. Will the US Prez intervene?

Amid clashes with Afghanistan, Pakistan has declared “open war” and is bombing the capital, Kabul, and surrounding major cities. The Taliban has also carried out retaliatory attacks against Pakistan’s action over the weekend. Reports suggest dozens have been killed during this cross-border fighting. As the clashes intensify, the sound of shelling echoes in the mountains near Pakistan's Torkham, where locals talk of smoke billowing in the region.&nbsp;"You can see that shells are being fired from here and hitting the mountain in front of us. There should be peace and reconciliation on both sides, because people are in great suffering," Waqas Shinwari, a Torkham resident, tells news agency AFP. In the Pakistan shelling, Kandahar was targeted; this is where the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, resides. Even Paktia, which is located in the east, was attacked.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-declares-open-war-against-afghanistan-taliban-says-patience-reached-its-limit-1772154130929">'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit'</a>&nbsp;"We don't have farms or any other businesses here. Everyone, whether a transporter or a watchman, earns a living because of this border. If there is peace on this border, we can have a life. But if there is no peace on the border, then we will leave this area and go to other places in Pakistan,” said Muhammad Kareem.&nbsp;Another resident, Irshad Khan, spoke about how the situation seemed normal for almost the entire day. But this calm was short-lived. “After nine o'clock at night, artillery and tanks started firing from here towards that side, and there was also firing from that side,” the Torkham resident mentioned.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-claims-274-taliban-fighters-killed-warns-afghanistan-to-make-clear-choice-1772196501862">Pakistan claims 274 Taliban fighters killed, warns Afghanistan to make ‘clear choice’</a>&nbsp;Everyone in Torkham was sheltered in a tunnel from 8 PM until 8 AM. He added, “After that, everyone walked from Torkham to Landi Kotal and took shelter in the hospital and other places."&nbsp;

Pakistan declares open war on Afghanistan as Operation Ghazab Lil Haq escalates. Heavy shelling at the Torkham border crossing hits the Omari returnee camp, wounding refugees and halting trade.

Amid clashes with Afghanistan, Pakistan has declared “open war” and is bombing the capital, Kabul, and surrounding major cities. The Taliban has also carried out retaliatory attacks against Pakistan’s action over the weekend. Reports suggest dozens have been killed during this cross-border fighting. As the clashes intensify, the sound of shelling echoes in the mountains near Pakistan's Torkham, where locals talk of smoke billowing in the region. "You can see that shells are being fired from here and hitting the mountain in front of us. There should be peace and reconciliation on both sides, because people are in great suffering," Waqas Shinwari, a Torkham resident, tells news agency AFP. In the Pakistan shelling, Kandahar was targeted; this is where the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, resides. Even Paktia, which is located in the east, was attacked. Also read: 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar': Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan, says 'patience has reached its limit' "We don't have farms or any other businesses here. Everyone, whether a transporter or a watchman, earns a living because of this border. If there is peace on this border, we can have a life. But if there is no peace on the border, then we will leave this area and go to other places in Pakistan,” said Muhammad Kareem. Another resident, Irshad Khan, spoke about how the situation seemed normal for almost the entire day. But this calm was short-lived. “After nine o'clock at night, artillery and tanks started firing from here towards that side, and there was also firing from that side,” the Torkham resident mentioned. Also read: Pakistan claims 274 Taliban fighters killed, warns Afghanistan to make ‘clear choice’ Everyone in Torkham was sheltered in a tunnel from 8 PM until 8 AM. He added, “After that, everyone walked from Torkham to Landi Kotal and took shelter in the hospital and other places."

Pakistan declares open war on Afghanistan as Operation Ghazab Lil Haq escalates. Heavy shelling at the Torkham border crossing hits the Omari returnee camp, wounding refugees and halting trade.

As Pakistan shells Afghanistan, its own border village Torkham burns

Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) claimed it had killed more than 274 Taliban officials and personnel since Thursday night, along with destroying 73 posts and capturing 18. The military added that 115 tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and artillery pieces were also destroyed after its armed forces launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against Afghanistan in response to the Taliban's retaliatory offensive.&nbsp;Pakistan’s military spokesperson warned the Taliban that “they have to make their choice: either choose Pakistan or terrorists,” adding that “the perpetrators of terrorist incidents in Pakistan will not remain safe anywhere.”&nbsp;“I want to make one thing clear: the oppressive Afghan Taliban regime has to make a clear choice, choose between TTP, BLA, Daesh, Al-Qaeda, terrorists and terrorist organisations, and Pakistan,” the military spokesperson said.&nbsp;Pakistan’s ISPR Director General, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, made these statements during a press conference. He termed the Afghan Taliban regime “the master proxy of terrorist proxies operating out of Afghanistan.”&nbsp;“This master proxy came into action last night in coordination with the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan),” he added.&nbsp;Twelve Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 27 were injured during the operations, while one soldier remains missing in action, according to Chaudhry.&nbsp;These statements from the Pakistani Army came after border tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated into what Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed an “open war.”&nbsp;The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad. Pakistan accused the TTP of operating from Afghan soil and alleged that the Taliban were providing safe havens to the TTP and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), claims that Kabul has denied multiple times.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leave-israel-while-flights-are-available-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-advisory-to-american-citizens-1772187926367">Leave Israel while flights are available: US Embassy in Jerusalem advisory to American citizens</a>&nbsp;On February 26, the Afghan Taliban launched a massive retaliatory land offensive. They claimed to have captured 19 Pakistani outposts, killed 55 soldiers, recovered bodies, and seized military equipment.&nbsp;Pakistan, which had long been an ally of the Taliban before relations deteriorated, called the Afghan Taliban regime an “internationally recognised terrorist organisation” responsible for last night’s aggression.&nbsp;“This aggression was carried out by this master proxy in coordination, in collusion, and in support of a terrorist organisation,” the DG ISPR said. “That’s what happened last night.”He further added that the Pakistan Army’s operation will continue and that “we are achieving the desired result.”

The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad.

Pakistan on Friday (Feb 27) claimed it had killed more than 274 Taliban officials and personnel since Thursday night, along with destroying 73 posts and capturing 18. The military added that 115 tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and artillery pieces were also destroyed after its armed forces launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against Afghanistan in response to the Taliban's retaliatory offensive. Pakistan’s military spokesperson warned the Taliban that “they have to make their choice: either choose Pakistan or terrorists,” adding that “the perpetrators of terrorist incidents in Pakistan will not remain safe anywhere.” “I want to make one thing clear: the oppressive Afghan Taliban regime has to make a clear choice, choose between TTP, BLA, Daesh, Al-Qaeda, terrorists and terrorist organisations, and Pakistan,” the military spokesperson said. Pakistan’s ISPR Director General, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, made these statements during a press conference. He termed the Afghan Taliban regime “the master proxy of terrorist proxies operating out of Afghanistan.” “This master proxy came into action last night in coordination with the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan),” he added. Twelve Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 27 were injured during the operations, while one soldier remains missing in action, according to Chaudhry. These statements from the Pakistani Army came after border tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated into what Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed an “open war.” The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad. Pakistan accused the TTP of operating from Afghan soil and alleged that the Taliban were providing safe havens to the TTP and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP), claims that Kabul has denied multiple times. Also Read: Leave Israel while flights are available: US Embassy in Jerusalem advisory to American citizens On February 26, the Afghan Taliban launched a massive retaliatory land offensive. They claimed to have captured 19 Pakistani outposts, killed 55 soldiers, recovered bodies, and seized military equipment. Pakistan, which had long been an ally of the Taliban before relations deteriorated, called the Afghan Taliban regime an “internationally recognised terrorist organisation” responsible for last night’s aggression. “This aggression was carried out by this master proxy in coordination, in collusion, and in support of a terrorist organisation,” the DG ISPR said. “That’s what happened last night.” He further added that the Pakistan Army’s operation will continue and that “we are achieving the desired result.”

The recent escalation followed Pakistan Air Force airstrikes at seven locations in Afghanistan on February 21 in response to major terror incidents earlier this month, including those in Bannu and Islamabad.

Pakistan claims 274 Taliban fighters killed, warns Afghanistan to make ‘clear choice’

The Afghan government warned on Friday that Kabul will take “decisive action” if Pakistan continues the war it declared after Afghan forces launched attacks on Thursday night in retaliation to the killings of civilians in Pakistani airstrikes a few days ago. The Afghan government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, held a press conference on Friday regarding the ongoing operations of Afghan forces against the Pakistani military and said, “We have targeted important military targets in Pakistan, and this sends a message that our hand can reach their necks.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mujahid added in the press conference broadcast by TOLOnews that reconnaissance aircraft are still flying over Afghan territory and called on the regional countries to “stop Pakistan’s atrocities and bullying.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-pm-mark-carney-lands-in-mumbai-begins-his-four-day-india-visit-1772190849004">Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit</a><h2>‘Pakistani planes still flying over Afghanistan’</h2>&nbsp;The Taliban government said Pakistani surveillance aircraft were “right now” flying over Afghanistan, hours after Islamabad launched airstrikes on the key cities of Kabul and Kandahar.&nbsp;“Still, right now, Pakistani planes, reconnaissance aircraft, are flying over Afghanistan’s airspace,” government spokesman Mujahid said at a news conference in the southern city of Kandahar.&nbsp;“We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-15-outposts-captured-40-pak-soldiers-killed-says-afghan-22-taliban-personnel-slain-in-retaliatory-action-claims-islamabad-1772133592010">‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad</a><h2>‘Our good relations with India not against Pakistan’</h2>&nbsp;Mujahed also said that Afghanistan has good relations with India, but the Kabul-Delhi relations are not against Pakistan.“We have good relations with India, but these are never against Pakistan, and the Islamic Emirate is never in anyone’s power or hand,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">مجاهد: له هند سره ښې اړیکو لرو، خو دا هیڅکله د پاکستان پر ضد نه‌دي او اسلامي امارت هیڅکله د چا په واک او لاس کې نه و.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B9%E2%80%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%88%D8%B2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#طلوع‌نیوز</a> <a href="https://t.co/pExdSGljDw">pic.twitter.com/pExdSGljDw</a>&mdash; TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/2027335878197362917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-fruitful-discussions-to-expand-trade-ties-says-piyush-goyal-after-hosting-us-commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-1772128131114">‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal</a><h2>‘We will respond to a finger with a fist’</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ویدیو: سخنان فصیح‌الدین فطرت، لوی‌درستیز قوای مسلح امارت اسلامی افغانستان، درباره حمله‌های انتقام‌جویانه علیه رژیم نظامی پاکستان!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B9%E2%80%8C%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%88%D8%B2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#طلوع‌نیوز</a> <a href="https://t.co/fSbTYSG0Ee">pic.twitter.com/fSbTYSG0Ee</a>&mdash; TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TOLOnews/status/2027335597992694227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a>&nbsp;Speaking about the retaliatory attacks against Pakistan’s military, he assured that the Islamic Emirate would not leave any aggression unanswered and emphasized that “We will respond to a finger with a fist.”The Chief of Army Staff warned that if Pakistan’s military regime seeks to destabilise Afghanistan, they would not remain safe even in Islamabad or other major centres of that country.Fitrat stressed that the country’s defence forces have the capability to defend Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.

Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Fasihuddin Fitrat, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.

The Afghan government warned on Friday that Kabul will take “decisive action” if Pakistan continues the war it declared after Afghan forces launched attacks on Thursday night in retaliation to the killings of civilians in Pakistani airstrikes a few days ago. The Afghan government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, held a press conference on Friday regarding the ongoing operations of Afghan forces against the Pakistani military and said, “We have targeted important military targets in Pakistan, and this sends a message that our hand can reach their necks.” Mujahid added in the press conference broadcast by TOLOnews that reconnaissance aircraft are still flying over Afghan territory and called on the regional countries to “stop Pakistan’s atrocities and bullying.” Also Read: Canadian PM Mark Carney lands in Mumbai, begins his four-day India visit ‘Pakistani planes still flying over Afghanistan’ The Taliban government said Pakistani surveillance aircraft were “right now” flying over Afghanistan, hours after Islamabad launched airstrikes on the key cities of Kabul and Kandahar. “Still, right now, Pakistani planes, reconnaissance aircraft, are flying over Afghanistan’s airspace,” government spokesman Mujahid said at a news conference in the southern city of Kandahar. “We have repeatedly emphasised a peaceful solution and still want the problem to be resolved through dialogue,” Mujahid said. Also Read: ‘15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed,’ says Afghan; 22 Taliban personnel slain in retaliatory action, claims Islamabad ‘Our good relations with India not against Pakistan’ Mujahed also said that Afghanistan has good relations with India, but the Kabul-Delhi relations are not against Pakistan. “We have good relations with India, but these are never against Pakistan, and the Islamic Emirate is never in anyone’s power or hand,” he added.

Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Fasihuddin Fitrat, warned the Pakistani military in another address that if Pakistan “violates” any part of Afghanistan’s territory, it will receive an even stronger and more decisive response.

‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war

The Afghan Taliban claimed on Friday (Feb 27) that it has launched drone strikes in its attack on Pakistan amid the escalated border tensions between the neighbouring countries. The situation got worse after a series of intesensed cross-bordwr strikes and military clashes. The Afghan Taliban claimed it has targeted strategic military installations in drone tsirkes in in retaliation for strikes on Kabul and Kandahar. The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence said its forces “successfully conducted" air strikes using drones to hit military targets across the border.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-never-visited-his-island-hillary-clinton-denies-any-wrongdoing-says-if-committee-wants-truth-on-epstein-files-ask-trump-directly-under-oath-1772131282616">'Never visited his island': Hillary Clinton denies any wrongdoing, says if committee wants truth on Epstein Files, 'ask Trump directly under oath'</a>&nbsp;The strike reportedly took place at 11 in the morning. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that while militants attempted to use drones in Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera, they were successfully neutralised by anti-drone systems. He said there was “no damage to life or property", and that Pakistan’s defensive measures remain effective against such threats.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-corruption-in-judiciary-ncert-in-tight-spot-after-sc-begins-suo-moto-proceedings-over-class-8-textbook-here-s-why-1772051681182">'Corruption in judiciary'? NCERT in tight spot after SC begins suo moto proceedings over class 8 textbook. Here’s why</a>&nbsp;Moreover, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Islamabad's “patience has now run out". In a post on X, he accused the Taliban of failing to focus on regional stability and the welfare of the Afghan people. &nbsp;“Now it is open war between us," Asif said. He also accused Kabul of denying basic human rights, including those for women, which he said are guaranteed under Islam.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/el-mencho-s-girlfriend-helped-commandos-track-him-here-s-what-we-know-about-operation-to-catch-mexico-s-most-wanted-man-1771865467024">El Mencho’s girlfriend helped commandos track him? Here’s what we know about operation to catch Mexico’s most wanted man</a>

The Afghan Taliban claimed it launched drone strikes targeting Pakistani military installations amid escalating border tensions, calling it retaliation for strikes on Kabul and Kandahar. The Taliban’s Defence Ministry said the attacks were “successfully conducted” using drones.

The Afghan Taliban claimed on Friday (Feb 27) that it has launched drone strikes in its attack on Pakistan amid the escalated border tensions between the neighbouring countries. The situation got worse after a series of intesensed cross-bordwr strikes and military clashes. The Afghan Taliban claimed it has targeted strategic military installations in drone tsirkes in in retaliation for strikes on Kabul and Kandahar. The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence said its forces “successfully conducted" air strikes using drones to hit military targets across the border. Also read: 'Never visited his island': Hillary Clinton denies any wrongdoing, says if committee wants truth on Epstein Files, 'ask Trump directly under oath' The strike reportedly took place at 11 in the morning. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that while militants attempted to use drones in Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera, they were successfully neutralised by anti-drone systems. He said there was “no damage to life or property", and that Pakistan’s defensive measures remain effective against such threats. Also read: 'Corruption in judiciary'? NCERT in tight spot after SC begins suo moto proceedings over class 8 textbook. Here’s why Moreover, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Islamabad's “patience has now run out". In a post on X, he accused the Taliban of failing to focus on regional stability and the welfare of the Afghan people. “Now it is open war between us," Asif said. He also accused Kabul of denying basic human rights, including those for women, which he said are guaranteed under Islam. Also read: El Mencho’s girlfriend helped commandos track him? Here’s what we know about operation to catch Mexico’s most wanted man

The Afghan Taliban claimed it launched drone strikes targeting Pakistani military installations amid escalating border tensions, calling it retaliation for strikes on Kabul and Kandahar. The Taliban’s Defence Ministry said the attacks were “successfully conducted” using drones.

Taliban used drones to strike Pakistan? Afghanistan claims targeted strikes at Islamabad’s military installations

At least 10 people, including nine children, were killed following overnight Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan, the Taliban government spokesman said Tuesday (Nov 25). Four civilians were also wounded in air strikes targeting the border regions of Kunar and Paktika.&nbsp;“Last night, around 12 o'clock, Pakistani invading forces carried out a bombing on the home of a local resident… in the Mughalgay area of Gerbaz district in Khost province,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X. In the attack, nine children, five boys and four girls, and one woman were killed in Khost province.&nbsp;A day earlier, an explosion rocked the bordering province of Peshawar in Pakistan after a suicide bomber attack at the headquarters of the Federal Constabulary (FC). At least three people were killed, and many others were injured in the attack, said police. The civilian paramilitary force, renamed to Federal Constabulary (FC) by the government in July, is located in a crowded area, close to a military cantonment.&nbsp;So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the Monday attack, but Islamabad has blamed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it accuses of operating from Afghan soil.&nbsp;Earlier this month, another suicide blast in Islamabad killed 12 people. The attack was claimed by a faction of the Pakistan Taliban, which shares the same ideology as the Afghan Taliban.&nbsp;The relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. In October, deadly border clashes between the two neighbours killed around 70 people on both sides. Although a ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and Turkey, negotiations in Istanbul failed to provide a lasting peace deal as both nations level accusations of attacks and sheltering militants.

A day earlier, an explosion rocked the bordering province of Peshawar in Pakistan after a suicide bomber attack at the headquarters of the Federal Constabulary (FC). 

At least 10 people, including nine children, were killed following overnight Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan, the Taliban government spokesman said Tuesday (Nov 25). Four civilians were also wounded in air strikes targeting the border regions of Kunar and Paktika. “Last night, around 12 o'clock, Pakistani invading forces carried out a bombing on the home of a local resident… in the Mughalgay area of Gerbaz district in Khost province,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X. In the attack, nine children, five boys and four girls, and one woman were killed in Khost province. A day earlier, an explosion rocked the bordering province of Peshawar in Pakistan after a suicide bomber attack at the headquarters of the Federal Constabulary (FC). At least three people were killed, and many others were injured in the attack, said police. The civilian paramilitary force, renamed to Federal Constabulary (FC) by the government in July, is located in a crowded area, close to a military cantonment. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the Monday attack, but Islamabad has blamed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it accuses of operating from Afghan soil. Earlier this month, another suicide blast in Islamabad killed 12 people. The attack was claimed by a faction of the Pakistan Taliban, which shares the same ideology as the Afghan Taliban. The relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. In October, deadly border clashes between the two neighbours killed around 70 people on both sides. Although a ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and Turkey, negotiations in Istanbul failed to provide a lasting peace deal as both nations level accusations of attacks and sheltering militants.

A day earlier, an explosion rocked the bordering province of Peshawar in Pakistan after a suicide bomber attack at the headquarters of the Federal Constabulary (FC).&nbsp;

At least 10 killed in Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan, says Taliban

Pakistan on Friday summoned a senior Afghanistan diplomat over repeated cross-border clashes. According to an official statement, the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad was called to the foreign ministry and Pakistan's ''strong condemnation'' was conveyed over the recent incidents of unprovoked cross-border shelling that resulted in the loss of lives, injuries and damage to property.&nbsp;

"It was reiterated that protection of civilians remained the responsibility of both sides and that recurrence of these incidents must be prevented," Pakistan's foreign ministry added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-dead-12-injured-as-fresh-clash-erupt-between-afghanistan-and-pakistan-at-balochistan-border-543437">One dead, 12 injured in fresh clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Balochistan border</a>

Pakistan and Afghanistan have had territorial disputes for decades and border tensions between the two countries have been on the rise after the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year.&nbsp;

Last Sunday, eight Pakistani civilians and one Afghan soldier were killed in cross-border shelling and gunfire near the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing, which is a key trade route and the second busiest crossing between the two countries, a report by news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;

And on Thursday, clashes erupted again near the same crossing resulting in one death and over a dozen injuries. The fighting started when Pakistani forces repairing a portion of the border fence damaged on Sunday came under attack from the Afghan side, according to a provincial official.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan on Friday summoned a senior Afghanistan diplomat over repeated cross-border clashes. According to an official statement, the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad was called to the foreign ministry and Pakistan's ''strong condemnation'' was conveyed over the recent incidents of unprovoked cross-border shelling that resulted in the loss of lives, injuries and damage to property.

Pakistan on Friday summoned a senior Afghanistan diplomat over repeated cross-border clashes. According to an official statement, the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad was called to the foreign ministry and Pakistan's ''strong condemnation'' was conveyed over the recent incidents of unprovoked cross-border shelling that resulted in the loss of lives, injuries and damage to property. "It was reiterated that protection of civilians remained the responsibility of both sides and that recurrence of these incidents must be prevented," Pakistan's foreign ministry added. ALSO READ | One dead, 12 injured in fresh clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Balochistan border Pakistan and Afghanistan have had territorial disputes for decades and border tensions between the two countries have been on the rise after the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year. Last Sunday, eight Pakistani civilians and one Afghan soldier were killed in cross-border shelling and gunfire near the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing, which is a key trade route and the second busiest crossing between the two countries, a report by news agency Reuters said. And on Thursday, clashes erupted again near the same crossing resulting in one death and over a dozen injuries. The fighting started when Pakistani forces repairing a portion of the border fence damaged on Sunday came under attack from the Afghan side, according to a provincial official. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan summons senior Afghan diplomat over repeated cross-border clashes

Pakistan&#39;s military on Sunday said it had killed more than 50 Afghan soldiers in a clash on a major border crossing two days earlier, a claim quickly rejected by Kabul.

The skirmish took place Friday at the Chaman border that divides Pakistan&#39;s southwest Balochistan province and Afghanistan&#39;s southern Kandahar, as Pakistani officials were carrying out a census count.

At least eight civilians were killed, according to previously stated tolls by officials -- seven on the Pakistani side, and one on the Afghan side.&nbsp;

Afghanistan had blamed Pakistani census enumerators accompanied by soldiers for straying across the border, a charge denied by Islamabad.

On Sunday, Pakistani forces elevated their rhetoric by saying Afghan forces had suffered dramatic losses.

&quot;We are not pleased to tell you that five Afghan check posts were completely destroyed -- more than 50 of their soldiers were killed and above 100 were wounded,&quot; Major General Nadim Ahmad, head of the paramilitary Frontier Corps told reporters.

&quot;We are not happy for their losses but we were forced to retaliate,&quot; he said, adding two Pakistani soldiers were killed and nine wounded in the incident.

Kabul quickly denied the claim.

&quot;A very false claim&nbsp;by a Pakistani Frontier Corp that as many as 50 Afghan soldier lost their lives in Pak retaliation; totally rejected,&quot; tweeted Sediq Sediqqi, a government spokesman.

Samim Khpalwak, a spokesman for the governor of Kandahar province, instead said two troops were lost in the attack, in addition to the death of a civilian.&nbsp;

The border has remained closed since Friday, with senior Pakistan army general Amir Riaz telling reporters it would remain so &quot;until Afghanistan changes its behaviour&quot;.

The so-called &quot;Durand Line&quot;, a 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) frontier drawn by the British in 1896 and disputed by Kabul, has witnessed increased tension since Pakistan began trenching along it last year.

The border is not the only area of dispute between the neighbours: Afghanistan has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring the Afghan Taliban, though Islamabad says it provides the militants with safe haven as a &quot;lever&quot; to bring them to peace talks.

Pakistan has also accused Afghanistan of harbouring militants who carry out attacks in its territory.

Pakistan embarked on the enormous task of conducting its first census in almost two decades in March.

The fast-growing country is the sixth most populous in the world, with an estimated 200 million people, but has not held a census since 1998, despite a constitutional requirement for one every decade.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The Durand Line has witnessed increased tension since Pakistan began trenching along it last year

Pakistan's military on Sunday said it had killed more than 50 Afghan soldiers in a clash on a major border crossing two days earlier, a claim quickly rejected by Kabul. The skirmish took place Friday at the Chaman border that divides Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province and Afghanistan's southern Kandahar, as Pakistani officials were carrying out a census count. At least eight civilians were killed, according to previously stated tolls by officials -- seven on the Pakistani side, and one on the Afghan side. Afghanistan had blamed Pakistani census enumerators accompanied by soldiers for straying across the border, a charge denied by Islamabad. On Sunday, Pakistani forces elevated their rhetoric by saying Afghan forces had suffered dramatic losses. "We are not pleased to tell you that five Afghan check posts were completely destroyed -- more than 50 of their soldiers were killed and above 100 were wounded," Major General Nadim Ahmad, head of the paramilitary Frontier Corps told reporters. "We are not happy for their losses but we were forced to retaliate," he said, adding two Pakistani soldiers were killed and nine wounded in the incident. Kabul quickly denied the claim. "A very false claim by a Pakistani Frontier Corp that as many as 50 Afghan soldier lost their lives in Pak retaliation; totally rejected," tweeted Sediq Sediqqi, a government spokesman. Samim Khpalwak, a spokesman for the governor of Kandahar province, instead said two troops were lost in the attack, in addition to the death of a civilian. The border has remained closed since Friday, with senior Pakistan army general Amir Riaz telling reporters it would remain so "until Afghanistan changes its behaviour". The so-called "Durand Line", a 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) frontier drawn by the British in 1896 and disputed by Kabul, has witnessed increased tension since Pakistan began trenching along it last year. The border is not the only area of dispute between the neighbours: Afghanistan has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring the Afghan Taliban, though Islamabad says it provides the militants with safe haven as a "lever" to bring them to peace talks. Pakistan has also accused Afghanistan of harbouring militants who carry out attacks in its territory. Pakistan embarked on the enormous task of conducting its first census in almost two decades in March. The fast-growing country is the sixth most populous in the world, with an estimated 200 million people, but has not held a census since 1998, despite a constitutional requirement for one every decade. (AFP)

Pakistan says more than 50 Afghan soldiers killed in clash along border

Pakistan and Afghanistan will set up a high-level bilateral mechanism to coordinate on security issues and amicably address border-related matters, officials said today, days after violent border clashes left casualties on both sides. 
 
The decision was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister&#39;s adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent. 
 
Afghan national security adviser Haneef Atmar was also present at the meeting. 
 
Pakistan and Aghanistan agreed to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism for consultation and coordination on issues relating to bilateral relations and cooperation, including security, movement of people and vehicles between the two countries and other relevant issues, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting. 
 
The proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani and with the participation of the national security advisers of the two countries. &quot;It will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries,&quot; the statement said. 
 
The main purpose of this mechanism would be not only to address and resolve issues concerning the two countries amicably but also to prevent recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently in Torkham, it said. 
 
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed due to clashes between the two sides in which a Pakistan army major and an Afghan border guard were killed earlier this month. 
 
The clash had started when Pakistan refused to stop construction of a security gate to stop illegal crossings. 
 
Torkham is one of the busiest of the eight established crossing points on the 2,500-kilometre-long porous border between the two countries, which is used by some 25,000 travellers every day. 
 
The two countries also took this opportunity to review other aspects of bilateral ties and reaffirmed respect for each other&#39;s sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference into each other&#39;s internal affairs. 
 
Aziz and Rabbani reiterated their desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism and economic progress of both the countries. 
 
The two sides specifically expressed their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the two countries, and the region. 
 
They also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including in the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process - involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US. 
 
(PTI)

Countries pledge to come together and agree on a joint way forward and repair relations after fatal border clashes

Pakistan and Afghanistan will set up a high-level bilateral mechanism to coordinate on security issues and amicably address border-related matters, officials said today, days after violent border clashes left casualties on both sides. The decision was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent. Afghan national security adviser Haneef Atmar was also present at the meeting. Pakistan and Aghanistan agreed to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism for consultation and coordination on issues relating to bilateral relations and cooperation, including security, movement of people and vehicles between the two countries and other relevant issues, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting. The proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani and with the participation of the national security advisers of the two countries. "It will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries," the statement said. The main purpose of this mechanism would be not only to address and resolve issues concerning the two countries amicably but also to prevent recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently in Torkham, it said. The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed due to clashes between the two sides in which a Pakistan army major and an Afghan border guard were killed earlier this month. The clash had started when Pakistan refused to stop construction of a security gate to stop illegal crossings. Torkham is one of the busiest of the eight established crossing points on the 2,500-kilometre-long porous border between the two countries, which is used by some 25,000 travellers every day. The two countries also took this opportunity to review other aspects of bilateral ties and reaffirmed respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference into each other's internal affairs. Aziz and Rabbani reiterated their desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism and economic progress of both the countries. The two sides specifically expressed their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the two countries, and the region. They also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including in the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process - involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US. (PTI)

Pakistan, Afghanistan to set up bilateral mechanism to address border issues

Pakistani&nbsp;and Afghan soldiers clashed overnight at the main border crossing at the end of the Khyber Pass, officials said today, with at least one killed and several wounded, further straining relations between the militancy-plagued neighbours.

One Afghan soldier was killed and six were wounded, an Afghan official said. The Pakistani army said one of its soldiers was wounded in the fighting at the Torkham Gate crossing in the mountainous region of northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan.

Both countries blamed each other for starting the fighting, which broke out at roughly 9 pm&nbsp;local time on Sunday and continued into the night.

&quot;We currently have agreed on a ceasefire with Pakistan. We hope this problem will end through the work by diplomatic addresses,&quot; the Afghan government&#39;s chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, said on Twitter.

&quot;The current fight Pakistan started doesn&#39;t help anyone&#39;s interest.&quot;

Relations between the neighbours have been strained in recent months. Kabul has accused Pakistan of harbouring militants seeking to topple the Afghan government, including the notorious Haqqani network, blamed for high-profile attacks in the capital.

Pakistan denies supporting militants and said it was constructing a border gate near Torkham, a Pakistani town close to the frontier, to prevent militants crossing from Afghanistan into Pakistan.

&quot;In order to check movement of terrorists through Torkham, Pakistan is constructing a gate on its own side of the border as a necessity to check unwanted and illegal movement,&quot; Pakistan&#39;s army said.

&quot;Pakistani security forces responded to Afghan firing effectively.&quot;

Ayub Hussainkhil, border police commander in eastern Afghanistan, said the fighting at the Torkham Gate stopped at&nbsp;5 am&nbsp;today.

&quot;We have received reinforcement and are ready to defend our country until the last drop of blood in our bodies,&quot; he said.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long remained porous and disputed. Afghanistan has blocked repeated attempts by Pakistan to build a fence on sections of the roughly 2,200-km (1,370-mile) long frontier, rejecting the contours of the boundary.

Last month, Pakistan build a border post between Pakistan&#39;s South Waziristan and Afghanistan&#39;s Paktika province and handed it over to Afghan officials.

Hours later, Afghan authorities shut the post, saying that the actual border lay about a kilometre inside Pakistani territory.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated with Kabul accusing Pakistan of harbouring militants to overturn the Afghan government

Pakistani and Afghan soldiers clashed overnight at the main border crossing at the end of the Khyber Pass, officials said today, with at least one killed and several wounded, further straining relations between the militancy-plagued neighbours. One Afghan soldier was killed and six were wounded, an Afghan official said. The Pakistani army said one of its soldiers was wounded in the fighting at the Torkham Gate crossing in the mountainous region of northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. Both countries blamed each other for starting the fighting, which broke out at roughly 9 pm local time on Sunday and continued into the night. "We currently have agreed on a ceasefire with Pakistan. We hope this problem will end through the work by diplomatic addresses," the Afghan government's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, said on Twitter. "The current fight Pakistan started doesn't help anyone's interest." Relations between the neighbours have been strained in recent months. Kabul has accused Pakistan of harbouring militants seeking to topple the Afghan government, including the notorious Haqqani network, blamed for high-profile attacks in the capital. Pakistan denies supporting militants and said it was constructing a border gate near Torkham, a Pakistani town close to the frontier, to prevent militants crossing from Afghanistan into Pakistan. "In order to check movement of terrorists through Torkham, Pakistan is constructing a gate on its own side of the border as a necessity to check unwanted and illegal movement," Pakistan's army said. "Pakistani security forces responded to Afghan firing effectively." Ayub Hussainkhil, border police commander in eastern Afghanistan, said the fighting at the Torkham Gate stopped at 5 am today. "We have received reinforcement and are ready to defend our country until the last drop of blood in our bodies," he said. The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long remained porous and disputed. Afghanistan has blocked repeated attempts by Pakistan to build a fence on sections of the roughly 2,200-km (1,370-mile) long frontier, rejecting the contours of the boundary. Last month, Pakistan build a border post between Pakistan's South Waziristan and Afghanistan's Paktika province and handed it over to Afghan officials. Hours later, Afghan authorities shut the post, saying that the actual border lay about a kilometre inside Pakistani territory.

Pakistan, Afghan soldiers clash at Khyber Pass border, 1 killed

Pakistani and Afghan soldiers clashed overnight at the main border crossing at the end of the Khyber Pass, officials said today, with at least one killed and several wounded, further straining relations between the militancy-plagued neighbours.

One Afghan soldier was killed and six were wounded, an Afghan official said. The Pakistani army said one of its soldiers was wounded in the fighting at the Torkham Gate crossing in the mountainous region of northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan.

Both countries blamed each other for starting the fighting, which broke out at roughly 9 p.m. local time on Sunday and continued into the night.

&quot;We currently have agreed on a ceasefire with Pakistan. We hope this problem will end through the work by diplomatic addresses,&quot; the Afghan government&#39;s chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, said on Twitter.

&quot;The current fight Pakistan started doesn&#39;t help anyone&#39;s interest.&quot;

Relations between the neighbours have been strained in recent months. Kabul has accused Pakistan of harbouring militants seeking to topple the Afghan government, including the notorious Haqqani network, blamed for high-profile attacks in the capital.

Pakistan denies supporting militants and said it was constructing a border gate near Torkham, a Pakistani town close to the frontier, to prevent militants crossing from Afghanistan into Pakistan.

&quot;In order to check movement of terrorists through Torkham, Pakistan is constructing a gate on its own side of the border as a necessity to check unwanted and illegal movement,&quot; Pakistan&#39;s army said.

&quot;Pakistani security forces responded to Afghan firing effectively.&quot;

Ayub Hussainkhil, border police commander in eastern Afghanistan, said the fighting at the Torkham Gate stopped at t 5 a.m. today.

&quot;We have received reinforcement and are ready to defend our country until the last drop of blood in our bodies,&quot; he said.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long remained porous and disputed. Afghanistan has blocked repeated attempts by Pakistan to build a fence on sections of the roughly 2,200-km (1,370-mile) long frontier, rejecting the contours of the boundary.

Last month, Pakistan build a border post between Pakistan&#39;s South Waziristan and Afghanistan&#39;s Paktika province and handed it over to Afghan officials.

Hours later, Afghan authorities shut the post, saying that the actual border lay about a kilometre inside Pakistani territory.

Pakistani and Afghan soldiers clashed overnight at the main border crossing at the end of the Khyber Pass, officials said today, with at least one killed and several wounded, further straining relations between the militancy-plagued neighbours. One Afghan soldier was killed and six were wounded, an Afghan official said. The Pakistani army said one of its soldiers was wounded in the fighting at the Torkham Gate crossing in the mountainous region of northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. Both countries blamed each other for starting the fighting, which broke out at roughly 9 p.m. local time on Sunday and continued into the night. "We currently have agreed on a ceasefire with Pakistan. We hope this problem will end through the work by diplomatic addresses," the Afghan government's chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, said on Twitter. "The current fight Pakistan started doesn't help anyone's interest." Relations between the neighbours have been strained in recent months. Kabul has accused Pakistan of harbouring militants seeking to topple the Afghan government, including the notorious Haqqani network, blamed for high-profile attacks in the capital. Pakistan denies supporting militants and said it was constructing a border gate near Torkham, a Pakistani town close to the frontier, to prevent militants crossing from Afghanistan into Pakistan. "In order to check movement of terrorists through Torkham, Pakistan is constructing a gate on its own side of the border as a necessity to check unwanted and illegal movement," Pakistan's army said. "Pakistani security forces responded to Afghan firing effectively." Ayub Hussainkhil, border police commander in eastern Afghanistan, said the fighting at the Torkham Gate stopped at t 5 a.m. today. "We have received reinforcement and are ready to defend our country until the last drop of blood in our bodies," he said. The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long remained porous and disputed. Afghanistan has blocked repeated attempts by Pakistan to build a fence on sections of the roughly 2,200-km (1,370-mile) long frontier, rejecting the contours of the boundary. Last month, Pakistan build a border post between Pakistan's South Waziristan and Afghanistan's Paktika province and handed it over to Afghan officials. Hours later, Afghan authorities shut the post, saying that the actual border lay about a kilometre inside Pakistani territory.