KABUL, Afghanistan (Diya TV) — Fresh cross-border violence has reignited tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising fears that fragile peace efforts could collapse. Mortar and rocket attacks reportedly killed four people and injured about 70 others, according to officials from the Taliban government. The strikes targeted civilian areas in eastern Afghanistan, including a university campus, as both sides traded accusations. The escalation marks one of the most serious flare-ups in recent months and highlights ongoing security concerns along the disputed border.
Afghan officials said the attacks struck Asadabad, the capital of Kunar province, on Monday. The barrage damaged homes and hit the Syed Jamaluddin Afghani University, a key educational institution in the region.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban government, said many of the wounded were civilians. He noted that women and children were among the victims. Around 30 students also suffered injuries in the attack. Fitrat strongly criticized Pakistan’s actions. He described the strikes as targeting ordinary citizens and educational facilities. He called them “unforgivable war crimes” in a statement posted on social media.
Pakistan’s government quickly denied responsibility for civilian harm. Officials described the Afghan claims as “continuous propaganda.” In a statement, Pakistan’s information ministry said any military action would only target militant infrastructure.
The ministry added that Pakistan acts on verified intelligence. It stressed that operations focus on threats posed by armed groups operating from Afghan territory. The Pakistani military has not issued a detailed response to the latest incident. Tensions between the two countries often rise over security concerns. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing militants to operate from its soil. Afghan leaders deny these claims and say Pakistan faces internal security challenges.
The latest violence comes after months of uneasy calm. In February, intense fighting broke out between the neighboring countries. Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, saying it targeted militant strongholds. The Taliban government condemned those strikes at the time. Both sides later agreed to reduce hostilities. However, trust remains low, and each incident risks triggering further escalation.
Last month, Afghan officials claimed that a Pakistani strike hit a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul. They said more than 400 people died in the attack. Pakistan rejected that claim and said it only targeted military sites. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported a significantly lower death toll of 143 in that incident. The differing figures highlight the difficulty of verifying claims in conflict zones.
Efforts to ease tensions have involved regional powers, including China. Earlier this month, Chinese officials hosted talks between Afghan and Pakistani representatives in Urumqi. Both sides agreed to explore a broader solution to their conflict. The discussions aimed to address border security, militant activity, and diplomatic relations. However, the latest violence could undermine those efforts. Analysts warn that continued clashes may derail negotiations. They say both countries need to rebuild trust and improve communication. Without that, the risk of further conflict remains high.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border has long been a source of tension. Disputes over territory and security continue to strain relations. Armed groups often operate in remote border areas, complicating efforts to maintain stability. Civilians frequently bear the brunt of the violence. Attacks on homes, schools, and public spaces create fear and disrupt daily life. Humanitarian groups have called for restraint and protection of civilians.
