KABUL: The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have expressed willingness to pursue negotiations with Pakistan after intense cross-border clashes resulted in significant casualties.
Speaking at a press conference, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Kabul remains open to a peaceful settlement. “We have consistently stressed the need for a peaceful solution and continue to seek dialogue to resolve the issue,” he said.
The remarks followed heavy fighting along several sectors of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Pakistani officials said the clashes began after what they described as unprovoked gunfire from Afghan Taliban fighters across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur.
In response, Pakistan launched retaliatory operations targeting what it called Taliban positions. According to the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani forces struck dozens of posts and installations. The Pakistan Air Force reportedly carried out air operations in areas including Kandahar, Kabul, and Paktia.
The ISPR director general claimed that 274 Taliban personnel and allied militants were killed and more than 400 injured during the operation. He added that 74 posts were destroyed and 18 checkposts were taken into Pakistani control. Pakistani forces also reported destroying tanks, armored vehicles, and several alleged militant hideouts.
Military installations in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Paktika were also targeted, according to the briefing. Officials further stated that an infantry brigade headquarters in Kabul and another in Kandahar were struck during the operation. Pakistan said the action was aimed solely at military objectives.
On the Pakistani side, 12 security personnel were killed and 27 injured during the clashes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to receive a detailed briefing from military leadership. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance of zero tolerance toward cross-border attacks and emphasized the country’s right to defend its sovereignty.
While tensions remain high, the Taliban’s public call for dialogue signals a potential opening for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation between the two neighboring countries.
