Kabul, March 30, 2026: Pakistan and Afghanistan traded artillery and heavy weapon fire on Sunday, raising tensions just as Islamabad announced plans to host potential U.S.-Iran talks. The clashes struck Afghanistan’s Kunar province and Pakistan’s Bajur district along the volatile border.
Afghan officials reported that Pakistani shelling killed one person and injured 16, mostly women and children. They accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, while Islamabad denied striking any non-military locations. Pakistani security sources called Kabul’s claims exaggerated, stating they only responded to Afghan violations in the sector.
Read more: Pakistan and Afghan forces clash in Bajaur
The border flare-up follows last month’s intense fighting, the worst in years, which left hundreds dead. Kabul claimed over 400 were killed in a Pakistani air strike on an Afghan drug rehabilitation centre. Pakistan rejected the allegation, insisting it targeted only military and terrorist infrastructure.
A temporary ceasefire was declared during Eid al-Fitr at the request of Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, though Islamabad ended it last week. Kabul has yet to confirm whether its forces are still observing the truce. Pakistan continues to accuse the Afghan Taliban of sheltering militants who attack Pakistani territory, while Kabul maintains militancy is a domestic Pakistani issue.
Read more: Pak–Afghan peace jirga planned to ease border tensions
Authorities in both countries plan a peace jirga tomorrow to discuss de-escalation. The clashes underscore the fragile security situation along the border, just as Pakistan positions itself as a potential host for upcoming U.S.-Iran negotiations.