Kumar Bahukhandi
Afghan-Pak border dispute (file photo)
Cross-border violence has become a major issue, with both Pakistan and Afghanistan accusing each other of harbouring terrorist groups that pose a threat to security on both sides of the Durand Line.
For the past few days, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been increasing. On Friday morning, tensions escalated on the Pak-Afghan border as reports of cross-border firing between the armies of the two countries emerged. The incident took place in Sarkano district of Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan.
According to TOLOnews report, “Local sources said that the Pakistani army launched rocket attacks in the Nawapas area of Sarkano district at around 1:30 pm on Friday. The rockets reportedly targeted residential houses, killing 10 animals and forcing hundreds of families to flee the area.
Afghan border forces retaliated, but information about casualties on the Pakistani side is unclear.”
In addition, information from locals and sources in Kunar revealed that helicopter shelling took place in the Salarzai area of Bajaur near the border on Thursday January 9, 2025 . However, neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan has officially commented on these incidents.
Tension over TTP presence
Tensions have escalated in the area after a video went viral on social media. The viral video shows Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants hoisting their flag at a checkpoint manned by Pakistani officials. The video has raised concerns over TTP activities in the area, for which both countries blame each other.
Cross-border violence has become a major issue, with both Pakistan and Afghanistan accusing each other of harbouring terrorist groups that pose a threat to security on both sides of the Durand Line.
Displacement and lack of official statements
“According to local sources, recent mortar shelling in Kunar has reportedly displaced hundreds of families,” Khorasan Diary said on social media.
Despite the rising number of civilian casualties, Pakistani and Afghan authorities have refrained from issuing any official statement about the incident. The situation remains tense and there is no immediate solution in sight as the border remains a hub of military and terrorist activities.
