OMM Redaksiyası
Cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deepened following mutual accusations over armed activity in Nuristan province in northeastern Afghanistan.
The dispute comes amid increasing clashes along the border, Pakistani airstrikes and diplomatic protests.
Statements on clashes in Nuristan
Following reported clashes on Saturday in Nuristan’s Kamdesh district, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense said 28 fighters had been killed and 32 people detained.
The Afghan side claimed that those involved included militants linked to “ISIS” as well as former Afghan security forces personnel who had entered the country with Pakistan’s support. According to the ministry, other fighters crossed the Durand Line and returned to Pakistan.
Pakistan rejects accusations
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday described the claims as “baseless and completely unfounded.”
The ministry “categorically” rejected allegations that Pakistani security forces or intelligence agencies had been involved in clashes in Nuristan or elsewhere in Afghanistan.
Islamabad also denied accusations that Pakistani institutions had recruited or trained former Afghan security personnel or provided assistance to “ISIS” and other terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s ministry said no evidence supporting the allegations had been presented, including the identities of those involved, documents, communications data, forensic evidence or independent verification.
The ministry also rejected a video circulated on social media as evidence of Pakistan’s involvement. It said the footage showed only several unarmed people without the necessary equipment and appeared to be a staged recording.
Pakistan accused the Taliban authorities of attempting to “create a Pakistan connection” to divert attention from the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
Islamabad called on Kabul to take “credible and verifiable measures” against terrorist organizations operating from Afghan territory and to honor its commitments to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan or any other country.
Tensions rise along the border
The dispute over Nuristan comes against the backdrop of escalating cross-border confrontations between the two countries over the past week.
Pakistan said it carried out airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan after attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sept. 21. Islamabad said more than 28 militants were killed in the operation.
Several days later, Pakistani security sources said eight unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Afghanistan had entered Pakistani airspace near Torkham and Kohat and were shot down. Pakistan subsequently said it had carried out precision air and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted an official note to Afghanistan on Sept. 26 concerning an alleged airspace violation that took place on Sept. 23.
The current wave of confrontation between the two countries intensified in February, when cross-border fighting began after Pakistani strikes on Afghan territory. Pakistan is demanding action against armed groups it says are operating from Afghanistan. Kabul rejects the accusation, while Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting armed groups inside the country. Islamabad categorically denies that claim.
