ANKARA, Turkey — November 7, 2025 – Four Afghan civilians were killed and five others injured during an overnight clash between Afghan and Pakistani forces along their shared border, according to Afghan officials. The incident underscores rising tensions between the two countries even as peace talks continue in Istanbul.

The brief but deadly exchange occurred near Chaman, a key border town in southwest Pakistan. Both sides have blamed the other for violating the Qatar-brokered ceasefire agreed upon on October 19.

Conflicting Accounts

Ali Mohammad Haqmal, head of the Information and Culture Department in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, said that Pakistani forces initiated the shooting. He noted that Afghan forces refrained from responding in light of ongoing diplomatic negotiations in Istanbul.

Conversely, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, dismissed Afghanistan’s claims, asserting that the firing originated from the Afghan side. The Pakistani Ministry of Information confirmed that the situation was brought under control and reaffirmed that the ceasefire remains in effect.

Peace Talks in Istanbul

The clashes come amid high-stakes talks aimed at easing tensions and curbing cross-border violence. Pakistan’s delegation is led by National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, while Afghanistan’s delegation is headed by Abdul Haq Wasiq, director of general intelligence.

Pakistan has reportedly presented a series of demands to mediators, focused on ending cross-border terrorism. Officials indicate that these demands are being reviewed point by point with the Afghan Taliban delegation.

Historical Tensions and Security Concerns

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been fraught for years. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban government of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks—a claim repeatedly denied by Kabul.

Tensions escalated last month after deadly clashes erupted along the border, resulting in dozens of deaths among soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants, with hundreds more injured. These hostilities followed a series of explosions in Kabul on October 9, which the Taliban attributed to Pakistani involvement.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), designated a terrorist organization by both the United Nations and the United States, has been responsible for a recent surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan. While formally separate, the TTP maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban, and many of its fighters are believed to have taken refuge in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021. This has further strained bilateral relations.

Current Situation

Despite the overnight clash, a tense calm currently prevails along the Chaman border. Observers warn that even minor skirmishes could quickly escalate, highlighting the fragility of the Qatar-mediated ceasefire and the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.

The ongoing Istanbul talks represent a critical opportunity for both nations to address cross-border terrorism, security concerns, and long-standing political grievances. Success or failure in these negotiations may significantly influence regional stability in South and Central Asia.