Pakistan Reports Deadly Border Clashes Amid Afghanistan Talks

A man sits on sacks of potatoes at a wholesale vegetable market, as prices of various vegetables and fruits rose after Pakistan closed border crossings with Afghanistan following exchanges of fire, and a ceasefire deal was later agreed upon by the two nations, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Oct 23, 2025.

Five Pakistani soldiers and 25 militants were killed in clashes near the border with Afghanistan, the military said on Sunday, even as delegations from both countries met to ease tensions after the deadliest fighting in years.

The militants attempted to cross into Pakistan on Friday and Saturday in the Kurram and North Waziristan districts, rugged areas along the northwestern frontier, the Pakistani military’s media wing reported.

The military said the attempted infiltrations raised doubts about the Afghan government’s commitment to addressing terrorism emanating from its soil.

Afghan officials, including the Taliban government’s chief spokesman and defence ministry, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Taliban denies accusations of sheltering militants and asserts that Pakistan’s operations violate Afghan sovereignty.

Delegations from both countries are meeting in Istanbul to prevent a return to conflict following clashes earlier this month—the worst border fighting since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul.

The previous clashes began after Pakistan demanded that the Taliban rein in militants operating from Afghan sanctuaries, triggering heavy exchanges of fire and Pakistani airstrikes. Both sides agreed to a truce in Doha last Sunday.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, said the truce was holding and expressed hope for peace, but warned that failure to reach an agreement in Istanbul could lead to “open war.”

The Pakistani military described the attackers as members of “Fitna al Khwarij,” a term used for groups inspired by militant ideology and backed by “foreign sponsors.”