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Pakistan, Afghanistan Trade Border Fire as Islamabad Keeps Crossings Shut Pending Anti-Terror Pledge

Limited humanitarian access continues under a phased UN plan.

Overview

  • Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged fire near ChamanSpin Boldak late Friday, with officials on both sides reporting no casualties.
  • Each side accused the other of breaching a fragile ceasefire brokered in October, with Kabul and Islamabad issuing competing accounts of how the clash began.
  • Pakistan’s Foreign Office said routine border trade will remain suspended until Kabul gives firm, verifiable assurances against cross-border terrorism, noting Afghan nationals’ involvement in crimes inside Pakistan.
  • Islamabad approved phased humanitarian consignments at UN request, beginning with food, followed by pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, then other essential health and education items.
  • Regional mediation has stalled, with no breakthrough reported from recent Saudi-hosted contacts and a planned Turkish delegation delayed, which Pakistan suggested may reflect Taliban noncooperation or scheduling issues.