Pakistan rejects Kabul’s claims over Chaman clash, says firing started from Afghan side

• Firing initiated from Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner: Ministry of Information
• Notes ceasefire remained intact, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to ongoing talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday firmly dismissed Afghanistan’s accusation that Islamabad provoked fresh firing along the Chaman–Spin Boldak border, insisting the latest exchange was initiated from the Afghan side and was swiftly contained by Pakistani forces.

The rebuttal comes as high-level delegations from both countries are engaged in a crucial third round of talks in Istanbul to reinforce and expand the fragile ceasefire agreed after five days of intense border clashes last month.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Kabul’s allegations were “strongly rejected,” stressing that Pakistan’s forces only responded after Afghan units opened fire.

We strongly reject claims circulated by the Afghan side regarding today’s incident at the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman. Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner.

— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) November 6, 2025

“Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner,” the ministry wrote, adding that the situation was quickly brought under control due to the “responsible action by Pakistani forces”.

It further noted that the ceasefire remained intact and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the ongoing talks, saying Pakistan “expects reciprocity from Afghan authorities”.

Earlier, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistani forces opened fire in the Spin Boldak district while negotiations were underway in Istanbul.

While the third round of negotiations with the Pakistani side has begun in Istanbul, unfortunately, this afternoon Pakistani forces once again opened fire on Spin Boldak, causing concern among the local population.
The Islamic Emirate’s forces, out of respect for
2/1

— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) November 6, 2025

“While the third round of negotiations with the Pakistani side has begun… Pakistani forces once again opened fire on Spin Boldak,” he wrote, asserting that Taliban forces had refrained from responding in order to respect the negotiation process and avoid civilian casualties. He added that both sides had agreed to extend the ceasefire and prevent provocations during the previous round.

Border clashes and talks

The cross-border tension follows weeks of shuttle diplomacy triggered by deadly hostilities last month—the lowest point in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021.

The latest crisis began on the night of October 11 when an attack was launched on Pakistan from Afghan soil. The incident came shortly after Taliban officials alleged—without confirmation from Islamabad—that Pakistan had conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan.

Islamabad has consistently demanded that the Taliban prevent terror groups from using Afghan territory against Pakistan, while Kabul denies offering any such sanctuary. Pakistan has suffered multiple security-force casualties in recent intelligence-based operations.

After the October 11 skirmish, several more clashes erupted along the border, while Pakistan also struck Gul Bahadur group camps inside Afghanistan. A ceasefire was reached on October 15, paving the way for talks in Doha.

Since then, two rounds of dialogue—first in Doha, then in Istanbul—have been held without a final agreement. A temporary ceasefire has helped avoid escalation, but Islamabad has repeatedly warned it will take all steps necessary to protect its citizens.

Talks briefly stalled on October 29 when Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that discussions had “failed to bring about any workable solution.” Mediation by Turkiye and Qatar revived the process, leading to a joint statement on October 31 that promised further deliberations during a principal-level meeting on November 6.

For the ongoing third round—expected to continue for two days—Pakistan’s delegation is led by Lt Gen Asim Malik, director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence, supported by senior military, intelligence, and Foreign Office officials.