As a result of clashes, the Pakistani army has taken control of 19 Afghan border posts. These positions were reportedly being used for attacks on Pakistani territory.

  • Fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan occurred on the morning of October 11 along the Durand Line – the demarcation border established between the countries in 1893. Its legitimacy continues to be disputed by Kabul. Afghan authorities described the attack as a “retaliatory operation” and stated these actions were in response to previous strikes from Pakistan.
  • Afghan military forces opened “unprovoked fire” on several border areas. Some Pakistani border posts were completely captured by the Taliban, while in other areas the Pakistani army abandoned positions and retreated.
  • The city of Lahore came under attack from Afghan air forces. Active combat operations were also taking place in the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, Helmand, and Kandahar. According to reports, 12 Pakistani military personnel were killed in the clashes, with two others wounded.
  • Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have been escalating in recent months. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of sheltering militants from the “Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan” (TTP), who Pakistani authorities claim operate from Afghan territory with impunity. These allegations are rejected in Kabul.
  • On September 10, the Afghan government, led by the Taliban movement, accused Pakistan of violating its airspace. A Taliban statement claimed Pakistani military forces struck a civilian market in the Durand Line area. Kabul emphasized it strongly condemns Pakistan’s actions and intends to “defend the country’s territorial integrity.”

Durand Line

The Durand Line is a 2,640-kilometer border established in 1893 as the demarcation between British India and Afghanistan. It was negotiated by Sir Mortimer Durand and Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, creating the modern boundary between Afghanistan and present-day Pakistan. The line is a source of ongoing political dispute, as Afghanistan has never formally recognized it, contesting its legitimacy and the division of Pashtun tribal lands.

Lahore

Lahore is a major cultural, historical, and economic center in Pakistan, often called the country’s cultural heart. Its history spans over a millennium, serving as a capital for various empires, including the Mughals, whose architectural legacy includes masterpieces like the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque. This rich past has endowed the city with a vibrant heritage of art, literature, and cuisine.

Kunar

Kunar is a province in eastern Afghanistan known for its rugged mountainous terrain and the Kunar River Valley. Historically, it has been a significant area along ancient trade routes and was a notable center of resistance during the Soviet-Afghan War. In recent decades, it has also been a focal point of conflict during the War in Afghanistan.

Nangarhar

Nangarhar is a province in eastern Afghanistan with a rich history as a significant cultural and political crossroads. Historically, it was part of the ancient Gandhara region and later became a prominent center during the Mughal Empire. Today, it is known for its diverse ethnic population and its capital, Jalalabad, which lies along a major trade route.

Helmand

Helmand is a province in southern Afghanistan known for its strategic location along the Helmand River. Historically, it was part of ancient trade routes and saw the rise of early civilizations, but in recent decades it has been a focal point of conflict and Taliban influence. The region is also significant for the Helmand River Valley’s agricultural output, which has sustained communities for millennia.

Kandahar

Kandahar is a major city in southern Afghanistan with deep historical roots, having served as a pivotal center for various empires, including the ancient Achaemenids and the 18th-century Durrani Empire founded by Ahmad Shah Durrani. It holds immense cultural and political significance in Afghanistan, though in recent decades it has been a focal point of conflict during the Soviet-Afghan War and the Taliban insurgency. The city is also known for its traditional Pashtun culture and surrounding agricultural regions.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan

The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is not a place or cultural site, but a banned militant organization and terrorist group. Formed in 2007 as an umbrella group of various Pakistani militant factions, its history is defined by a violent insurgency against the state of Pakistan, including numerous terrorist attacks. Its stated objectives have included enforcing its strict interpretation of Sharia law and opposing the Pakistani state’s alliance with the United States.