Ceasefire Tensions Rise Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Amid Allegations of Cross-Border Strikes

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are escalating as allegations of cross-border strikes threaten a fragile ceasefire. Taliban officials report that Pakistani artillery targeted civilian areas, including a university, resulting in casualties. This incident marks a significant setback following recent peace talks mediated by China. The ongoing conflict has already claimed numerous lives since February, and both nations had previously agreed to a temporary ceasefire during Eid al-Fitr. As relations deteriorate, the situation remains precarious, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The article delves into the details of the recent attacks and the broader implications for regional stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 07:23 IST

Escalating Conflict in Kunar District

Kabul: The delicate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan faces new challenges as Taliban representatives reported that mortars and missiles allegedly launched by Pakistan hit a civilian area, including a university in Kunar district, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to many others. Pakistan has refuted these allegations. This incident marks the first reported cross-border attack since peace discussions mediated by China between the two nations. According to Taliban officials, the strikes targeted residential areas and the Syed Jamaluddin Afghani University located in Asadabad, Kunar. Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban's deputy spokesperson, stated that approximately 70 people were hurt in the attacks, which included around 30 students and several children. He mentioned in a post on X that the Pakistani military regime resumed artillery shelling on April 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM, affecting multiple locations in Asadabad and parts of Manogai District. Fitrat shared images of the injured, emphasizing that civilian structures, including the university, were intentionally struck, leading to injuries among 70 civilians, including women and children, and the deaths of four individuals.

Since February, Pakistan and Afghanistan have experienced months of intense clashes that resulted in numerous fatalities. In March, both nations declared a temporary ceasefire in light of Eid al-Fitr, a pause reportedly requested by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar to alleviate ongoing hostilities, as reported by various news outlets.

Relations between the two countries have soured since violent border confrontations in October of the previous year. A ceasefire mediated by Qatar was established on October 19, but tensions surged again in February when the Pakistan Air Force conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan's Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces. Pakistan claimed these strikes targeted militant camps associated with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS–K). In retaliation, Afghan forces launched significant offensives against Pakistani border posts, prompting Pakistan to initiate Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, which further escalated border skirmishes and cross-border firing incidents along the Durand Line.