Mujahid said several Pakistani soldiers had been “caught alive”, a claim denied by Islamabad.

Militants

At the heart of the dispute is Pakistan’s long running accusation that Afghanistan is not doing enough to curb the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The militant group has stepped up attacks inside Pakistan since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, according to analysts.

Islamabad says many of these fighters operate from Afghan soil, which the Taliban government rejects.

Recent months have seen major attacks in Islamabad and the border region, and the resurgence of militant violence has deepened mistrust between the neighbours.

Frail diplomacy

The most serious confrontation in months follows diplomatic efforts that have struggled to contain tensions.

A truce was brokered by Qatar and Turkey after deadly clashes in October that killed more than 70 people on both sides.

But multiple rounds of negotiations since then have failed to produce a durable agreement.

Saudi Arabia recently intervened to mediate the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan.

Iran also stepped in, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying on Friday that Tehran “stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries”.

However, some experts say it might be too late for effective diplomacy.

Qamar Cheema, a Pakistani political analyst, told AFP that Islamabad had “used all options including regional diplomacy, direct communication, but nothing has been honoured”.

Historic tensions

Afghanistan and Pakistan share the disputed Durand Line, a colonial-era frontier that Kabul has never formally recognised.

Cross-border militant sanctuaries, refugee flows and accusations of interference have strained ties for decades.

Since the Taliban’s return to power, relations have seesawed between cautious engagement and open hostility.

Border crossings have frequently shut following clashes, disrupting trade and the movement of people.

The latest violence marks what analysts describe as the most dangerous phase yet, with Pakistan appearing to target Taliban government sites rather than only alleged TTP positions.

South Asia expert Michael Kugelman called the overnight strikes a “significant and dangerous escalation”.

Infographic: China building new nuclear missile base

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