2025 Afghanistan–Pakistan Conflict

The 2025 Afghanistan–Pakistan Conflict refers to intense armed clashes that occurred along the Durand Line between the two countries in October 2025. The incidents began on 9 October after the Afghan administration accused Pakistan of violating its airspace. The areas where clashes intensified included Khost, Paktika, Paktiya, Kunar, Nangarhar, Kurram, Bajaur and Chaman.

Following the clashes, the Torkham and Chaman–Spin Boldak border crossings were closed and cross-border trade came to a halt. Both countries’ armed forces were placed on high alert. Regional and international actors including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, China and the United Nations called on both sides to exercise restraint. According to statements from both parties, a high number of soldiers were killed in the fighting.

Background of the Conflict

Deterioration of Taliban–Pakistan Relations

Relations between the Taliban administration in Afghanistan and Pakistan changed after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The Pakistani government accused the Taliban regime in Afghanistan of providing safe havens to armed groups hostile to Pakistan. These accusations were particularly directed at the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The Islamabad administration stated that TTP militants were based on Afghan soil and used these areas to plan attacks against Pakistan. Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Khawaja Asif, in a speech to parliament in October 2025, expressed concern over ongoing attacks along Pakistan’s border regions. The Afghan administration rejected these accusations and asserted that Afghan territory was not being used to launch attacks against any other country.

The number of security incidents in Pakistan has also been reflected in reports by local research institutions. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported that in August 2025, 194 people were killed in 143 attacks, the highest number of attacks in the past decade.

TTP Attacks and Previous Tensions

On 8 October 2025, clashes erupted in the Orakzai region of northwestern Pakistan between the Pakistani military and armed groups. In this incident, a colonel, a major and nine soldiers were killed. The Pakistani military announced that the TTP had claimed responsibility for the attack and reported that 19 militants had been killed.

Pakistan asserted that the TTP was based in Afghanistan and launched attacks against Pakistan from there. In the same period, Afghanistan accused Pakistan of involvement in explosions in Kabul and Paktika. The Afghan Ministry of Defence stated that these explosions resulted from Pakistani air strikes.

While diplomatic contacts continued between the two sides, mutual distrust along the border persisted. The Pakistani administration urged Afghanistan to take measures against armed groups operating beyond its borders, while the Afghan administration accused Pakistan of violating its airspace. These statements were followed by reports on 9 October 2025 of explosions heard in Kabul and allegations of an air strike targeting the Margha region of Paktika, which directly preceded the outbreak of military clashes between the two countries.

Outbreak of the Conflict

Explosions in Kabul and Margha

On 9 October 2025, explosions occurred in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and in the Margha region of Paktika province in the southeast. The Afghan Ministry of Defence stated that these explosions were the result of air strikes carried out by Pakistan. The ministry reported that the Pakistani military had violated Afghan airspace and targeted a marketplace.

Pakistani officials neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the Pakistani military stated that there was evidence that Afghan territory was being used for “actions against Pakistan.” The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to questions on the matter.

The explosions coincided with a visit by Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India. In a joint statement issued after Muttaqi’s meeting with India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, India condemned the Pahalgam attack. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating that United Nations resolutions concerning the status of Jammu and Kashmir had been violated.

Initial Armed Clashes

On the night of 11 October 2025, the Afghan Ministry of Defence announced that a “retaliatory operation” had been launched against Pakistani border units. The ministry stated that the operation was a response to Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory. According to the statement, the operations concluded by midnight.

According to Anadolu Agency and local media sources, the clashes were concentrated particularly in the Dand-e Patan region of Paktiya province. Afghan forces reportedly targeted Pakistani posts near the Durand Line and briefly seized some outposts. The Pakistani military responded to the attacks with tanks, artillery units, heavy weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles.

A report by Pakistan’s state television PTV, citing security sources, stated that the Pakistani military had captured 19 Afghan outposts, with some Afghan soldiers killed and others withdrawing from the area. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also announced that it had responded to Afghan border forces’ attacks “within the framework of legitimate defence,” destroying 21 Afghan positions and neutralising over 200 armed elements.

Raports from the region indicated that civilians in settlements near Dand-e Patan and Angoor Adda had abandoned their homes for security reasons. Both countries accused each other of firing on civilians.

Military Casualties and Operations

Afghanistan’s Statements

On 12 October 2025, Afghanistan’s interim government announced that 58 Pakistani soldiers had been killed and 30 wounded during operations along the border. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that 25 Pakistani border outposts had been captured and that weapons and ammunition in some areas had fallen into the hands of Afghan forces.

Mujahid also reported that 9 Afghan soldiers had been killed and approximately 12 wounded. The Afghan Ministry of Defence stated that the operations were conducted as retaliatory measures against Pakistan’s “repeated airspace violations” and “air strikes on Afghan territory.” The ministry announced that “successful retaliatory operations had concluded by midnight.”

According to Afghan sources, heavy artillery fire was used in Kunar, Paktika, Paktiya, Khost and Nangarhar during the operations, targeting various Pakistani posts. Afghan officials stated that tanks and heavy weapons had been deployed to defend the country’s borders.

Pakistan’s Statements

In a statement by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 23 Pakistani soldiers were reported killed and 29 wounded. ISPR stated that Pakistan had responded to Afghan border forces’ attacks “within the framework of legitimate defence,” and that 21 Afghan positions had been temporarily captured.

The Pakistani military announced that over 200 Taliban members had been neutralised and that several Afghan command centres, camps and support points had been destroyed. The statement claimed that “the Afghan administration and India-backed elements had launched attacks on Pakistan’s border.” It also stated that Pakistan had conducted “precision strikes” against targets to safeguard its border security.

Pakistan’s state media, including PTV and Radio Pakistan, reported that the Pakistani military had struck Afghan command centres and posts with “high accuracy,” completely destroying the “Manojba camp battalion headquarters, Jandusar outpost, Turkmenzai camp and Kharchar Castle.”

Diplomatic Reactions and Mediation

Afghanistan’s interim government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the border operations had been halted following mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Mujahid noted that after these mediation efforts, Afghan forces had ceased cross-border attacks and the Afghan military had shifted to a “defence of national territory” posture.

In a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a call was made for “de-escalation, dialogue and wisdom to sustain peace.” The statement emphasized that “preserving regional security and stability was in the mutual interest of all parties.”

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a similar statement, urging both sides to “prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, reduce tensions and contribute to regional peace.” The Doha administration stated it was prepared to support diplomatic contacts between the two countries following the clashes.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on both countries to “exercise restraint” and stated that “achieving stability would contribute to regional security.” In remarks to Iran’s state television, he emphasized that “both sides must reduce tensions.”

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on 13 October 2025, called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to “exercise restraint.” Moscow stated it had “closely monitored” the intense clashes and welcomed “the restoration of stability.” The Russian Foreign Ministry also noted that China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar had issued similar appeals.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Beijing was “ready to play a constructive role in improving relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.” China expressed “deep concern” over the border clashes between the two countries.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, in a social media statement, noted that the clashes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border “could have negative humanitarian consequences.” Grandi called for “rapid de-escalation” to preserve regional stability.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement on 13 October 2025, referred to the clashes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. Trump said, “I heard there is a war between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This will be my eighth war to resolve.” Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, he added that he was “good at resolving wars” and that “bringing peace is an honourable mission.”

Closure of Border Crossings

On 12 October 2025, Pakistan closed two major border crossings with Afghanistan: Torkham and Chaman–Spin Boldak. The decision was taken due to ongoing clashes and security threats. Pakistani officials stated that all movement across the border had been suspended and trade between the two countries temporarily halted.

Zia Ul Haq Sarhadi, Deputy Chairman of the Pakistan–Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Reuters that hundreds of trucks transporting fresh fruit, vegetables, imports and transit goods were unable to cross due to the border closure, resulting in losses amounting to millions of rupees for both economies.

Diplomatic Stances of the Parties

Following the border clashes, Afghanistan’s interim government stated that its territorial integrity had been violated. Afghan Ministry of Defence spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi stated that “retaliatory operations” had been launched in response to Pakistan’s airspace violations. Khwarazmi declared that “if Afghanistan’s airspace is violated again, Afghan armed forces will respond strongly.”

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit to India, stated that Afghanistan did not wish to wage war with any country and that “problems must be resolved through dialogue.” He affirmed that Afghanistan aimed to maintain good relations with all its neighbours.

The Pakistani government accused Afghanistan of engaging in “provocative actions” and “cross-border attacks.” President Asif Ali Zardari, in a statement on 12 October 2025, declared that his country would “firmly protect its national interests, regional sovereignty and security.” Zardari called on the Afghan government to take “concrete and verifiable steps” against anti-Pakistan terrorist elements.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan had “firmly retaliated” against Afghanistan’s attacks and that its military had “destroyed several outposts in response to Afghan provocations.” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused Afghanistan of “firing on civilians” and described these actions as “violations of international law.”

In a written statement on 12 October 2025, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “Pakistan attaches great importance to a mutually beneficial relationship and dialogue with Afghanistan.” The statement affirmed that countering terrorism was a “common cause” for both countries, while emphasising that Pakistan would “take all necessary measures to protect its territory and citizens.”

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a social media statement, stated that “care had been taken to avoid civilian casualties” and that Pakistan would “continue taking necessary measures to safeguard its border security.”

End of the Clashes

As of 13 October 2025, clashes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border were reported to have ended. The Afghan Ministry of Defence stated that operations had been halted following mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Mujahid noted that Afghan forces had “ceased retaliatory operations by midnight.” The Pakistani side, however, announced that its security forces in border regions remained on “high alert.”

Resumption of Conflict (14–15 October 2025)

New Clashes Along the Durand Line

On 14 October 2025, fighting resumed along the Durand Line, the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Heavy armed clashes erupted between the forces of the two countries in the Host province of eastern Afghanistan and the Spin Boldak region of southern Kandahar province.

Afghan sources reported that the Pakistani military “prepared for an attack but failed to succeed,” while Pakistani sources claimed that Afghan forces “launched an unprovoked attack.” Pakistani security officials stated that Afghan forces had launched attacks against Pakistani outposts in the Kurram region and that the military responded “swiftly and decisively.” The statements indicated that numerous Afghan bases suffered heavy damage and that one tank was destroyed. The same statements noted that the Pakistani military had “moved to a state of high alert” and was “prepared to defend the country against potential attacks.”

On the morning of 15 October, the Pakistani military announced that Afghan Taliban elements had launched attacks from four separate points along the Spin Boldak border in Balochistan. The Pakistani military reported that eight Afghan outposts and six tanks had been destroyed, and that an estimated 25 to 30 Taliban fighters had been killed.

Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s interim government, stated in a public statement that 12 Afghan civilians had been killed and over 100 others wounded in the clashes. The Afghan side also claimed that one Pakistani tank had been captured, a claim rejected by Pakistani security officials.

Civilian Casualties and Damage Reports

Civilian casualties occurred in the Spin Boldak and Chaman areas during the fighting of 14–15 October. According to Al Jazeera and AFP sources, between 12 and 15 Afghan civilians lost their lives and more than 80 others were injured. Authorities at the Spin Boldak district hospital in Kandahar province confirmed that 40 people had been brought to the hospital, five of whom died.

Reports based on BBC’s local sources indicated that the clashes in Spin Boldak began around 04:00 local time and lasted nearly five hours, forcing residents to abandon their homes. Eyewitnesses described the presence of drones and fighter jets, along with intense artillery fire.

Following explosions in Kandahar and Kabul on the evening of 15 October, Afghan authorities suggested the blasts may have been linked to Pakistani attacks. The Pakistani military stated it had conducted air operations targeting Taliban elements in the Spin Boldak region and surrounding areas. However, Afghanistan’s interim government did not confirm Pakistan’s claims and held Pakistan responsible for the attacks.

48-Hour Ceasefire and Implementation (15–16 October 2025)

Announcement of the Ceasefire

On 15 October 2025, the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the ceasefire would take effect at 18:00 local time (13:00 GMT). The statement added that “both sides will make sincere efforts during this period to find a lasting solution through constructive dialogue.”

The Afghan government stated that it accepted the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request. In a post on X, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed Afghanistan’s commitment to the agreement but warned that “if Pakistan violates it, a response will follow.” The statement included the phrase: “Instructions have been issued; our forces will abide by this agreement; however, if violated, the response will not be delayed.”

The Pakistani military announced that the ceasefire would last 48 hours and that all military activity along the border would cease during this period. It emphasized that the purpose of the ceasefire was “to open space for a peaceful resolution.” The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the issue as “complex but solvable.”

After the ceasefire took effect, the intensity of fighting along the border decreased. According to Anadolu Agency and BBC, both sides generally complied with the ceasefire as of the morning of 16 October, although minor armed violations were reported at some locations.

The Pakistani Armed Forces stated that they maintained a “state of full alert” along the border during the ceasefire. The Afghan Ministry of Defense instructed its forces to “maintain defensive positions.” Both sides made allegations of mutual ceasefire violations before its expiration. Pakistani sources reported that Afghan forces opened fire briefly on the morning of 16 October, while Afghan sources claimed Pakistan conducted artillery fire around Spin Boldak.

National and International Reactions

According to Karachi-based Geo News, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. It confirmed that a 48-hour ceasefire had been agreed upon at Afghanistan’s request and added that “during this period, both sides will make efforts to find a solution to this complex but solvable issue through constructive dialogue.”

According to a post by Kabul-based Tolo News on the U.S.-based social media platform X, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the ceasefire decision and stated that the initiative originated from Pakistan. Mujahid reiterated that Afghanistan would abide by the agreement but would respond if Pakistan violated it.

Pakistan’s Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif, in an interview with Samaa TV, said the clashes with Afghanistan were part of a long-standing issue. Asif stated, “If the Afghan government wants war, Pakistan is ready.” He also revealed that Pakistan had been in contact with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries on this matter.

On 16 October 2025, in a speech in Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan had generated deep concern in the region. Pezeshkian expressed confidence that the two countries “would once again choose the path of friendship.” He added that “disputes among Islamic nations are the result of international Zionism and hostile powers’ conspiracies” and called for “strengthening dialogue and fraternal ties between the two brotherly nations.”

Doha Talks and the Permanent Ceasefire Agreement

On 18 October 2025, Afghanistan and Pakistan reached an agreement on a ceasefire that would take immediate effect, following negotiations held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The talks were led by Afghanistan’s Minister of Defense Mulla Muhammad Yaqub and Pakistan’s Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif. The meeting was facilitated by Qatar and Türkiye.

In a statement issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was confirmed that both parties also agreed on establishing mechanisms to strengthen lasting peace and stability. The statement noted that follow-up meetings would be held to ensure the reliable and sustainable implementation of the Doha agreement. The parties announced that a joint monitoring mechanism would be established in the coming days to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.

According to Reuters, Pakistan’s Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated on the X platform, “The ceasefire has been finalized. Both sides will meet in Istanbul on 25 October to discuss the details.” Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s interim government, stated that an “absolute and meaningful ceasefire” had been agreed upon. Mujahid explained that the Doha talks concluded with an understanding that both countries would refrain from aggressive actions and would not support hostile groups operating against each other.

In its post-talks statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Pakistan and Afghanistan would continue constructive dialogue to halt cross-border terrorist activities and establish lasting peace. The statement also noted that Türkiye was participating as a supporter of the process.

The ceasefire agreement represents the highest-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries since clashes erupted between 14 and 16 October. During the Doha talks, Pakistan’s demand for control over armed groups operating from Afghan territory and Afghanistan’s call for an end to Pakistani air strikes were addressed. Both sides provided mutual security commitments on these issues.

On the same day, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, in a speech at a military academy, stated that the activities of militant groups using Afghan territory must be halted. Afghanistan did not directly respond to these remarks.

It was announced that after the Doha talks, delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan would prepare for a second round of meetings scheduled for 25 October 2025 in Istanbul. This meeting is expected to focus on monitoring the ceasefire and establishing permanent security mechanisms.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Istanbul Talks

Initiation of Talks (25 October 2025)

The talks in Istanbul began on 25 October 2025 with the participation of delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The primary objective of the talks was to address the details of the ceasefire agreement signed in Doha and to establish technical guidelines for its implementation.

According to the Afghan press, the parties reached agreement on “many issues” during the technical committee meetings in Istanbul. Agenda items included extending the ceasefire, reopening roads between the two countries, releasing prisoners, and determining the location and timing of the next meeting.

A joint statement by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that meetings involving four countries—Afghanistan, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Qatar—took place in Istanbul from 25 to 30 October 2025 with the aim of reinforcing the ceasefire achieved between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Doha on 18–19 October 2025.

The statement noted that the parties had “agreed on the continuation of the ceasefire”. It further indicated that new principles for implementing the ceasefire would be decided at a high-level meeting scheduled for 6 November in Istanbul, and that an agreement had been reached on establishing a “monitoring and verification mechanism” to ensure the sustainability of peace.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan administration, stated on his social media account that “the Istanbul talks, by their nature complex, concluded with the parties agreeing to reconvene to consult on outstanding issues.”

Mujahid also emphasized that Afghanistan seeks to build relations with Pakistan based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and trust. He thanked Türkiye and Qatar for their mediation. At this stage, it was reported that the ceasefire was generally holding and that negotiations had concluded with preparations for a new meeting.

Issues Discussed in the Talks

The agenda of the Istanbul meetings included border security, continuation of the ceasefire, reopening trade routes, refugee returns, and counterterrorism cooperation.

Pakistan stressed that Afghan territory must not be used for attacks against its own territory. A Pakistani security official told Al Jazeera, “Pakistan once again emphasized that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.”

The Islamabad administration stated that the armed group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) must not operate from Afghan territory and called for “concrete and decisive steps” against the organization.

The Afghan administration clarified that the TTP operates outside its control and that Afghan soil will not be permitted to be used against any other country. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against any other country or to undertake actions that undermine its sovereignty and security.”

The parties discussed reopening border crossings and securing trade. Afghan and Pakistani delegations focused on temporary arrangements to restore road access and sustain goods transportation.

Pakistan partially lifted its border closure, initiated on 12 October 2025, during the course of negotiations and temporarily reopened the Torkham Border Crossing to allow the return of Afghan refugees.

Stalemate in the Talks (7 November 2025)

The Istanbul negotiations ended without outcome following sessions held on 6–7 November 2025. The talks reached a stalemate due to unresolved disagreements between the parties over long-term security arrangements and the issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Geo News, “The talks have ended,” confirming the conclusion of negotiations. Asif also stated that the Pakistani delegation would return home and that “there are no plans for future meetings.”

Asif said the Afghan delegation refused to sign a written agreement and added, “They said they would respect a verbal agreement, but there is no room for that.” On 7 November, Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar wrote on his social media account, “The Istanbul talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan are at a dead end.”

The Afghan administration accused Pakistan of advancing “unreasonable demands” during the negotiations. Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said, “Pakistani representatives put forward demands that were neither practical nor reasonable.”

Pakistan, on the other hand, argued that Afghanistan had failed to take necessary steps in counterterrorism and that attacks against its territory continued. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated, “The responsibility to fulfill long-standing international, regional, and bilateral commitments on counterterrorism lies with Afghanistan.”

No new date for further negotiations has been set. Pakistani Defense Minister Asif said, “There is no plan or hope for a fourth round. The talks have been suspended indefinitely.”