Pakistan-Afghanistan Border from Khyber to Chitral Amid Escalating Tensions

ISLAMABAD,Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated dramatically along their shared border, with reports of heavy clashes in multiple sectors stretching from Khyber to Chitral. Both sides have exchanged accusations of initiating unprovoked attacks, leading to claims of casualties and destruction of border posts.
Security sources in Pakistan stated that Afghan forces began firing around 5:50 PM local time in the Khyber district, bordering Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. Clashes quickly spread to other areas, including Nawa Pass in Bajaur district (adjacent to Kunar province), Shurqo in Kurram district, and Arandu in Chitral district (near Nuristan province)Pakistani officials claimed their forces responded robustly, destroying at least two Afghan border posts and killing a minimum of five Afghan personnel.
In retaliation, Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced that Taliban forces had targeted Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, describing the actions as a response to recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory۔These airstrikes, conducted on February 21-22, targeted alleged militant hideouts in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, killing dozens according to Pakistan, but resulting in civilian casualties per Afghan reports.
Pakistan has launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haqq” in response to the border aggression, with officials vowing to defend sovereignty against what they term “unprovoked” Afghan incursions۔Afghan authorities, meanwhile, have accused Pakistan of violating their airspace and territory, exacerbating the already fragile relations strained by ongoing militant activities and border disputes۔
Local residents in the affected areas report widespread fear, with daily life disrupted and some communities fleeing the violence. No official casualty figures have been confirmed independently, and neither side has issued a comprehensive statement detailing losses.
Regional analysts warn that without immediate diplomatic intervention, the situation could spiral into a broader conflict, further destabilizing the region amid existing insurgencies in both countries.