In the wake of intense clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers, Islamabad has issued a stern warning of a “befitting reply,” notably referencing India’s approach to similar situations.
Pakistan’s interior ministry released a statement accusing Afghanistan of engaging in a “game of fire and blood” and referring to an “eternal enemy.” The statement also quoted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who declared, “Afghanistan will also be given a befitting reply like India, so that it will not dare to look at Pakistan with a malicious eye.”
The ministry further emphasized Naqvi’s condemnation of unprovoked firing by Afghan forces on Pakistani territory, calling it a “blatant violation of international laws.” This statement was issued via tweet during the early morning hours of Sunday, coinciding with reports of fierce border skirmishes.
The Taliban government has stated that the clashes were in retaliation for alleged Pakistani air strikes in Kabul. They claim to have inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani soldiers during overnight operations. These developments occur as Taliban minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India, and Pakistan has previously expressed objections to joint statements made by India and Afghanistan, particularly concerning references to Jammu and Kashmir.
Islamabad has also criticized Muttaqi’s remarks suggesting that terrorism is an internal Pakistani issue and his blame towards Pakistan for recent explosions in Kabul. Meanwhile, the Taliban government asserts control over its borders and warns of further responses to any violations of its territorial integrity. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also vowed a strong response, accusing Afghanistan of allowing its territory to be used by terrorist elements. In light of the escalating tensions, border crossings between the two nations have reportedly been closed.