In a critical intervention on Thursday, the United Nations implored Pakistan and Afghanistan to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the dire need to safeguard civilians. This urgent appeal comes after days of intense border fighting, which has tragically claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds wounded across both nations.
This recent surge in violence marks the deadliest confrontation between the neighboring countries since 2021, a period that saw the Taliban regain control of Afghanistan after the collapse of its Western-backed government.
The cross-border violence had intensified dramatically since October 10, with both nations asserting they were acting in retaliation to armed aggressions from the opposing side. A crucial development occurred on Wednesday, October 15, when both parties agreed to a temporary ceasefire.
This much-needed truce was brokered after significant appeals from influential regional powers, who recognized the potential for the conflict to destabilize an already fragile region where extremist groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaida seek to re-establish their presence. As of Thursday, October 16, no further fighting had been reported overnight, though critical border crossings remained closed.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) promptly welcomed the ceasefire, though it noted that casualty figures were still being assessed. Preliminary reports indicated that the southern border region bore the brunt of the violence on Wednesday, experiencing the heaviest toll.
According to UNAMA, “Current information indicates that at least 17 civilians were killed and 346 were injured in Spin Boldak on the Afghan side of the border.”
Furthermore, UNAMA revealed that at least 16 civilian casualties had been documented in various other Afghan provinces during previous skirmishes between the two nations.
The mission reiterated its call, stating, “UNAMA calls on all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan has not yet released its own figures for civilian casualties. The nation has consistently accused Afghanistan of sheltering militants, an allegation vehemently denied by the Taliban. Pakistan has faced a growing number of attacks since 2021, exacerbating regional tensions.
India’s Stance on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Tensions
Addressing the escalating tensions, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation. Pakistan is known for hosting terrorist organizations and sponsoring terrorist activities. It is an established pattern for Pakistan to shift blame onto its neighbors. The core issue appears to be Pakistan’s frustration with Afghanistan asserting sovereignty over its own territories. India remains unequivocally committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.”
The two countries share a lengthy 2,611-kilometer border, commonly referred to as the Durand Line, a demarcation that Afghanistan has historically refused to acknowledge.