Heavy Border Clashes Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Leave Dozens Dead By Fahim Sajjadi | Afghan News24 | October 19, 2025

Heavy Border Clashes Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Leave Dozens Dead

By Fahim Sajjadi | Afghan News24 | October 19, 2025

Beginning of the Conflict

Heavy border clashes erupted between Afghanistan and Pakistan in early October 2025 after the Pakistani military launched a series of airstrikes on Afghan cities including Kabul, Khost, Jalalabad, and Paktika. Islamabad claimed the operations targeted Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts inside Afghan territory.

In retaliation, Taliban forces in Afghanistan attacked several Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line. Both sides exchanged artillery fire, rockets, and airstrikes on border posts and military installations.

Following several days of intense fighting, Pakistan closed all major border crossings with Afghanistan, halting trade and the movement of civilians.

Under pressure from regional mediators including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, both governments agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, later extended to allow peace talks in Doha.

Although the truce reduced large-scale combat, sporadic skirmishes and isolated airstrikes have continued in certain border districts, raising concerns that the ceasefire remains fragile.

Human and Material Casualties

Pakistan

• The Pakistani military confirmed 23 soldiers were killed in the clashes.
• Afghan Taliban sources claimed the number of Pakistani fatalities could be higher.
• Independent verification of these figures remains limited due to restricted media access in the conflict areas.

Afghanistan

• Taliban officials reported 9 fighters killed and several others injured.
• According to local reports, civilian casualties occurred after Pakistani airstrikes hit residential areas in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, killing and injuring several members of one family, including children.
• International agencies have not yet released verified casualty figures.

Financial and Structural Damage

• The Pakistani Army reported destroying six Taliban tanks and several fortified positions along the border.
• Taliban sources said multiple Pakistani military posts were also damaged.
• The closure of border trade routes has caused serious economic losses for both countries. Cross-border commerce between Pakistan and Afghanistan — a key source of income for local traders — remains suspended.
• Afghan provincial officials reported significant disruptions in the supply of food, fuel, and essential goods, though no official financial estimates have yet been released.

Current Situation

As of October 19, 2025, the ceasefire is holding but remains unstable. Delegations from both countries are engaged in negotiations in Doha, seeking mechanisms to prevent further escalation and to establish a framework for border security cooperation.

International observers continue to call for restraint and dialogue, warning that renewed hostilities could threaten regional stability.

Reporter: Fahim Sajjadi

Source: Afghan News24