Afghan authorities stated that “the five victims are four women and one man, while six others were injured in the incident,” confirming that “Pakistani forces fired again on the Spin Boldak border area.” Meanwhile, Pakistan blamed Afghanistan for the shooting at the border between the two countries, asserting that it responded in a calculated manner.
Afghanistan and Pakistan announced on Thursday the resumption of peace talks after a previous round ended without reaching a sustainable truce. This resumption follows a violent clash between the two countries’ armies last month, resulting in dozens of deaths in the deadliest violence since Kabul’s return to power in 2021, according to Western media.
The two sides had signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha on October 19, but the second round of talks in Istanbul last week failed to produce a long-term agreement due to disagreements over anti-Pakistan militant groups operating from within Afghan territory.
In statements to journalists on Wednesday, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed optimism, saying: “We hope wisdom prevails and peace returns to the region.” Asif added that “one point” on Islamabad’s agenda is to persuade the restraint of militants launching attacks on Pakistani forces across the shared border, noting that this matter is known to the Taliban.
Two government sources confirmed that Pakistan’s military intelligence chief, Asim Malik, will lead the Pakistani delegation in this round. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated to the Afghan Radio and Television Authority that Afghan intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq will head the Afghan delegation.
The conflict between the two countries erupted after Afghanistan accused Pakistan of “violating its airspace and launching raids on Afghan territory,” and the Afghan Ministry of Defense announced it had successfully conducted a “retaliatory operation” against Pakistan.
Pakistan and Afghanistan reached a ceasefire agreement in the Qatari capital Doha on October 19, following days of clashes between the two countries, during which dozens of military and security forces from both sides, as well as several civilians, were killed.
