ISLAMABAD: A brief exchange of fire along the Chaman–Spin Boldak border crossing coincided Thursday with ongoing Pakistan and Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul, with Pakistan’s information ministry rejected Afghan claims that Pakistani forces opened fire first.
“We strongly reject claims circulated by the Afghan side regarding today’s incident at the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X.
According to the statement, “Firing was initiated from the Afghan side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner.” It added that the situation was “brought under control due to responsible action by Pakistani forces and the ceasefire remains intact.”
The ministry said Pakistan “remains committed to ongoing dialogue and expects reciprocity from Afghan authorities.”
However, Afghanistan’s interim government offered a sharply different account.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, claimed the firing started from the Pakistani side.
“While the third round of negotiations with Pakistan has begun in the city of Istanbul, it is regrettable to say that this afternoon, once again, firing was initiated by Pakistani forces at Spin Boldak, which has caused concern among the public,” Mujahid said on X.
He added that Afghan forces “have so far not responded” in order to avoid civilian casualties and “out of respect for the negotiating team.”
Local police in Chaman confirmed to Pakistan TV Digital that Pakistani border units returned fire after the initial shots but reported no casualties on either side. The exchange lasted briefly and did not disrupt movement in nearby civilian areas, police official said.
The incident unfolded as senior delegations from Islamabad and Kabul continued discussions in Istanbul aimed at establishing a verified mechanism to prevent cross-border militant infiltration into Pakistan.
