ISLAMABAD/KABUL — Pakistani security forces mounted what officials described as a “strong and measured response” on Thursday after what Islamabad called unprovoked firing and cross-border aggression from Afghan territory along the disputed Durand Line.
Clashes erupted days after Pakistan carried out what it termed precision airstrikes against suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant camps near the Afghan border. Islamabad has said the strikes targeted armed groups responsible for a recent surge in attacks inside Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s authorities claimed their forces had launched retaliatory operations and alleged that Pakistani military posts had been captured. Pakistani officials firmly rejected those assertions, describing them as unfounded and confirming that no army positions had fallen.
Information Minister said two Pakistani soldiers had been killed and three wounded in the clashes, adding that security forces had inflicted significant casualties on armed elements on the Afghan side. He dismissed Afghan claims of large-scale Pakistani losses and denied that any personnel had been captured.
“Pakistan is giving a strong and effective response to unprovoked firing,” Mr Tarar said, stressing that the country would continue to defend its territorial integrity.
According to Pakistani authorities, mortar rounds fired from Afghan territory landed in border villages, though no civilian casualties were reported. Residents in affected areas were moved to safer locations as a precaution.
The renewed tensions follow Sunday’s air operations by Pakistan’s military, which it said eliminated at least 70 militants linked to the TTP. Islamabad has long accused the group of operating from safe havens inside Afghanistan — a charge denied by Kabul and the TTP.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, described the earlier strikes as “precision operations” conducted in response to escalating militant violence. He said Pakistan remained committed to protecting its citizens from cross-border threats.
Militant attacks inside Pakistan have risen sharply in recent years, with authorities attributing much of the violence to the TTP and banned Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent Afghan territory from being used to stage attacks.
Although a Qatari-mediated ceasefire had reduced tensions in recent months, sporadic incidents have continued along the 2,611-kilometre frontier. Previous rounds of talks failed to produce a lasting settlement.
As both sides trade accusations, Pakistani officials have reiterated that their actions are defensive and targeted, aimed at countering militancy rather than escalating conflict.
“Pakistan will take all necessary measures to ensure its territorial integrity and the safety and security of its citizens,” the Information Ministry said, underlining Islamabad’s position that stability along the border depends on effective action against militant groups operating in the region.
