Chaman, December 6, 2025: Tension eased along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman on Saturday after heavy cross-border clashes erupted overnight, leaving several people injured on both sides.
According to local officials, firing began around 10pm on Friday when Afghan forces allegedly fired mortar shells into Pakistan’s Badani area, prompting a “befitting and intense” response from Pakistani security forces. The exchange continued late into the night.
At least three Pakistani civilians were injured and shifted to Chaman District Hospital. Afghan government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said five people were injured on the Afghan side.
The Afghan Taliban, however, blamed Pakistan for initiating the clash. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistani forces launched an attack on Spin Boldak, prompting their fighters to retaliate.
Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, confirmed the incident, stating in a post on X:
“A short while ago, the Afghan Taliban regime resorted to unprovoked firing along the Chaman border. An immediate, befitting & intense response has been given by our armed forces.”
He added that Pakistan remained fully alert and committed to safeguarding its territorial integrity.
The latest clash comes amid heightened tension and stalled negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Three rounds of talks — held in Doha and Istanbul — have failed to produce any breakthrough on key issues, particularly cross-border terrorism involving the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Border hostilities first flared on October 11, followed by a temporary ceasefire on October 15 to facilitate dialogue. A second round in Istanbul on October 25 also ended without progress. Despite mediation efforts by Turkiye and Qatar, the third round on November 7 collapsed, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declaring the talks “over” due to deep differences.
Following the breakdown in negotiations, the Afghan Taliban suspended trade ties with Pakistan, while Islamabad had already closed its border for trade shortly after the initial clashes.
The situation at Chaman remains calm for now, though officials say the security forces are on high alert amid concerns of further escalation.
