Pakistan’s Attack Before Ceasefire Talks: Tensions Rise Again in Kandahar, Afghanistan

New Delhi: Just before the start of ceasefire talks, Pakistan has once again betrayed Afghanistan's trust. According to reports, the Pakistani army fired mortars in the Spin Boldak area of Kandahar province, targeting Taliban fighters. This attack occurred while preparations were underway for peace talks between the two countries in Istanbul, Turkey. According to sources, Taliban fighters retaliated, forcing Pakistani soldiers to retreat. Local media reports stated that the clash took place in Lukman village, where there was initial gunfire followed by mortar attacks. Peace Or Conflict? Pakistan Minister Warns Of ‘Open War’ With Afghanistan If Peace Talks Fail Civilian Areas Also Targeted The Afghan media outlet TOLOnews claimed that a civilian house was also targeted during the shelling from the Pakistani side. However, no official statement has been issued by the local administration or the governments of either country regarding this incident. Currently, firing has stopped from both sides, but tension remains high at the border. This has created an atmosphere of fear in Spin Boldak and surrounding areas, and people are appealing for peace. Videos Go Viral on Social Media Some videos are going viral on social media platforms showing plumes of smoke rising and people running. These videos illustrate the seriousness of the recent clash at the border and indicate that the tension could escalate into a larger conflict at any moment. Commenting on the incident, Asif Durrani, former Special Representative of Pakistan on Afghanistan Affairs, said that Islamabad's policy of controlling the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) is going in the wrong direction. [caption id="attachment_164464" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Afghanistan Agree To Ceasefire In Qatar Talks[/caption] He said that Pakistan's stubbornness and cross-border actions cannot solve the problem of terrorist attacks. According to Durrani, Pakistan needs to gain the support of its tribal population to defeat the TTP, as this terrorist network is deeply rooted within Pakistan itself. He also added that the problem cannot be solved solely through external pressure or military action; the real solution must be found from within Pakistan. A New Crisis in Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations This clash, which occurred before the talks in Istanbul, has deeply impacted the prospects for trust and cooperation between the two countries. Experts believe that Pakistan's policy of repeatedly escalating border tensions not only undermines peace talks but could also threaten the stability of the entire South Asia region. Lasting Truce? Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ‘immediate ceasefire’ after Qatar talks Local residents are continuously demanding that both countries resolve the dispute through dialogue so that ordinary citizens living in the border areas can feel safe.