On Monday, Pakistani troops were on high alert along the Afghanistan border following intense weekend clashes that resulted in numerous casualties. The conflict caught the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed a willingness to mediate.
Trade between the two countries came to a standstill as Pakistan closed border crossings along the 2,600-km (1,600-mile) boundary, leaving many goods-laden vehicles stranded, according to a Pakistani industry representative.
Deadly border skirmishes began Saturday night, marking the most severe conflict between the nations since the Taliban seized control of Kabul in 2021.
PAKISTAN ACCUSES AFGHANISTAN OF MILITANT SHELTERING
The fighting erupted when Islamabad urged the Taliban to act against militants launching attacks on Pakistan, claiming they operate from Afghan safe havens. The Taliban denies the presence of Pakistani militants in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani military reported the loss of 23 soldiers in the clashes, while the Taliban stated nine of their fighters were killed. Both sides claimed higher casualties on the opposing side, though these claims remain unverified.
TRUCKS AND CONTAINERS STRANDED
“All entry points have been closed since Saturday after unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban forces,” a senior Pakistani security official told Reuters.
A second security official noted minor gunfire exchanges on Sunday night, but described the overall situation as calm.
The Pakistani military spokesperson’s office did not immediately provide comments.
Afghanistan’s defense ministry spokesperson, Enayatullah Khowarazmi, told Reuters that the border situation was normal but did not offer further details.
Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized that Afghanistan seeks no conflict and maintains good relations with its other neighbors.
“War is not a solution. Dialogue is necessary. This has always been our policy,” Muttaqi stated in New Delhi, marking his first visit since 2021.
With border crossings for vehicles and pedestrians shut, all Pakistani government offices handling trade and administrative issues were closed, a senior official reported.
“Vehicles loaded with goods, including containers and trucks, are stuck on both sides of the border,” said Zia Ul Haq Sarhadi, senior vice president of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“They carry fresh produce, imports, exports, and transit goods, causing significant financial losses to both countries and traders,” he added.
Pakistan is a key supplier of goods and food to landlocked, impoverished Afghanistan.
TRUMP AND CHINA OFFER MEDIATION
The conflict has garnered Trump’s attention, who stated he would address it soon.
“I hear there’s a war between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Trump mentioned to reporters aboard Air Force One as he traveled to Israel amid efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict.
“I said, I’ll have to address it upon my return. I’m good at resolving conflicts and making peace,” Trump stated.
China, sharing borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and aiming to mediate between them, expressed serious concern over the clashes.
“China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in enhancing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a Beijing press briefing on Monday.
Kabul reported on Sunday that it ceased attacks at the request of Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
