Pakistan and the Taliban have blamed each other for initiating clash near Spin Boldak border town in the southern province of Kandahar on Thursday evening.
At first, the Taliban issued a statement, saying the fighting was initiated by Pakistan and that they did not respond to respect the ongoing talks in Istanbul.
The Pakistani military denied the claims, blaming the Taliban for initiating the gunfire.
“Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, and our security forces responded in a measured and responsible manner,” Pakistan’s army said in a statement.
It added that the situation was brought under control and the existing ceasefire remains in effect.
The army emphasized Islamabad’s commitment to the ongoing talks with Taliban representatives and urged the Taliban to act “with mutual responsibility” to prevent further incidents.
Earlier, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they had “not responded yet out of respect for the ongoing negotiations” between the two sides in Istanbul.
Mujahid also referenced a prior agreement reached during earlier talks that called for an extension of the ceasefire and a halt to military aggression along the border.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Samaa News, citing diplomatic sources in Islamabad, reported that the latest round of talks between Taliban and Pakistani delegations in Istanbul has been suspended following the border exchange of fire.
The meetings, brokered by Turkey and Qatar, were paused after Pakistani officials presented evidence to the mediators accusing the Taliban of violating the ceasefire agreement.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the two sides, who have experienced repeated border clashes in recent weeks despite efforts to maintain diplomatic engagement.
