Pakistan’s military claims it has killed more than 200 Afghan fighters, while Afghanistan’s Taliban government reports 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border clashes along their shared frontier.

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, said on Sunday that an additional 30 Pakistani soldiers were wounded, and a “significant amount” of Pakistani weapons fell into Afghan hands. Mujahid challenged Pakistan’s account, noting that nine Taliban fighters were killed and nearly a dozen others injured during the overnight operations.

Pakistan’s military reported 23 soldiers killed and confirmed it had closed the border with Afghanistan following the clashes.

The hostilities erupted after explosions in Afghanistan on Thursday, which the Taliban attributed to Pakistan, marking the sharpest escalation in months of already strained relations. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring armed groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.

Earlier on Sunday, the Taliban claimed it captured three Pakistani border posts in Kunar and Helmand provinces during retaliatory strikes. Enayatullah Khwarizmi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence, described these as “successful retaliatory attacks” against repeated Pakistani violations and airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Pakistani state media reported that Pakistani forces seized 19 Afghan border posts, citing security sources who said Taliban fighters were either killed or fled. A video broadcast by Pakistan Television (PTV) showed Afghan posts burning and Taliban soldiers surrendering in Kurram. Radio Pakistan reported the destruction of Taliban positions, including the Manojba camp battalion headquarters, Jandusar Post, Turkmenzai camp, and Kharchar Fort, targeting armed group hideouts near the border “with great precision.”

The fighting prompted calls for restraint from Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Rising Tensions and Broader Implications

The overnight clashes represent a major escalation following the explosions in Kabul and Paktika, which the Taliban blamed on Pakistan. Although Islamabad did not claim responsibility, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of consequences if attacks on Pakistani forces continued.

Relations between the neighbors have deteriorated over accusations that Afghanistan harbors members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed groups. The TTP, formed in 2007 in response to Pakistan’s military operations supporting the US invasion of Afghanistan, has waged a deadly insurgency ever since.

“This TTP issue has become a major sticking point in relations between the two countries,” said Imtiaz Gul, an Islamabad-based expert on regional armed groups. He warned that the conflict’s long-term consequences could deepen existing animosities.

Recent months have seen an intensified TTP offensive in Pakistan. In August alone, 194 people were killed and over 200 injured in 143 attacks nationwide, marking the deadliest month of militant violence in more than a decade. Pakistan now ranks second on the Global Terrorism Index due to these attacks. Tens of thousands have been displaced by military operations against the TTP and other armed groups.

The flare-up coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, sparking concerns in Pakistan, which views New Delhi as a regional rival. Pakistan’s military expressed concern over the timing, labeling India as “the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region.” India denies this allegation, and the Taliban maintains its territory is not used against other countries.

Calls for Restraint

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged both countries to exercise restraint, emphasizing that stability between Pakistan and Afghanistan contributes to regional stability. Saudi Arabia also called for dialogue, restraint, and efforts to maintain peace, security, and prosperity for the peoples of both nations.