ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army effectively countered unprovoked firing from Afghan Taliban elements at the border near Chaman, as Islamabad reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing peace negotiations in Istanbul.
Sources indicate that the incident occurred in the border village of Killi Mazal, where Afghan Taliban militants allegedly exploited civilians as human shields while opening fire on Pakistani border posts. Pakistani military units responded with a strong and professional counterfire, compelling the attackers to withdraw.
Social media footage purportedly shows Taliban fighters fleeing the scene, accompanied by local voices condemning the Taliban for initiating aggression and then pleading for a ceasefire once Pakistan’s forces responded.
Following the exchange, Afghan authorities reportedly requested an immediate ceasefire, claiming the firing was accidental. However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed that the firing was initiated from Afghan territory and responded swiftly and responsibly.
In a statement, the ministry rejected Afghan claims, emphasizing that the gunfire originated from across the border. It also highlighted that Pakistani forces exercised restraint and professionalism, quickly regaining control of the situation.The situation remains under control, and the ceasefire along the border continues to hold. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the Istanbul peace talks and emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation to prevent future incidents.
Earlier, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban resumed their peace negotiations in Istanbul, marking their third round of talks following previous unsuccessful efforts to establish a durable ceasefire.The discussions are being mediated jointly by Turkey and Qatar. Sources reveal that Pakistan’s delegation includes senior military officials and civil representatives, while the Afghan Taliban’s team is led by their intelligence chief, Abdul Haq Wasiq.
Tensions escalated last month when Afghan Taliban forces launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani positions along the border during the night of October 11–12, 2025. Although a temporary ceasefire was agreed upon in Doha on October 19, subsequent negotiations in Istanbul failed to produce a comprehensive peace agreement, mainly due to the Taliban’s reluctance to take action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants operating inside Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed hope that wisdom would prevail and regional peace could be restored. He reiterated Islamabad’s focus on persuading Afghanistan to curb militant activities along the border, alleging that the Taliban leadership is aware of these attacks.
According to government insiders cited by Reuters, Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is leading Pakistan’s delegation. The Taliban’s team is headed by Abdul Haq Wasiq, their intelligence chief, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirming the participation of the Taliban delegation to state media.
