Conflicting reports emerge regarding Pak-Afghan forces clash in Paktia

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding a clash between the Afghan and Pakistani border forces near Durand Line in Paktia as situation remains tense along the Line amid deteriorating security situation and persistent artillery shelling.

The provincial government of Paktia said in a statement that the Afghan border forces came under coordinated fire both from the Taliban and Pakistani militia forces at around 2pm local time Dand-e-Patan district.

The statement further added that the Afghan border forces returned fire which sparked a clash that continued until 5pm local time resulting into the retreat of the militia forces and the Taliban insurgents.

However, the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul, in a statement rejected the reports regarding the clash between the Afghan and Pakistani forces.

The statement further added that no clash has taken place and no Pakistani soldier has breached the Line, emphasizing that Pakistan respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan.

This comes as the situation in certain southeastern and eastern provinces along the Durand Line remains tense amid ongoing insurgency led by the militants as well as the persistent artillery shelling from the other side of the Durand Line.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan recently summoned the Charge d’Affaires of Pakistan in reaction to the artillery shelling in the eastern provinces, particularly in Kunar province, which has came under immense shelling during the recent weeks.