Situation serious due to increasing tension on Durand Line, Russia appeals for restraint

The dispute over Durand Line between Pakistan and Afghanistan is becoming increasingly serious. Both countries have intensified attacks in each other’s areas across the border. The situation has worsened so much that Russia has had to appeal to both sides to exercise restraint.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued a statement on Sunday, December 29, saying, “Moscow is concerned by the increasing tensions on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and appeals to all parties for peace and dialogue.”

Russia’s appeal: Emphasis on constructive talks

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in its statement,
“We appeal to both sides to exercise restraint and resolve differences through constructive dialogue. The growing tension in the region needs to be resolved peacefully.”

Russia’s appeal came after the incident when 19 Pakistani soldiers and 3 Afghan civilians were killed in a border clash on Saturday, December 28.

Pakistan’s allegations against Taliban

According to Afghan media Amu TV:

• The Pakistan Army claimed that the Taliban attacked its border posts with heavy weapons without any provocation.
• Pakistan Army retaliated and claimed to have killed more than 15 terrorists.
• The Pakistani Army says that the clash was due to an infiltration attempt with the support of Taliban.

Taliban counterattack: different claim

The Taliban rejected the Pakistani Army’s claim and made counter-allegations.

• According to the Taliban, Pakistan carried out the attack using air force in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.
• The attack targeted refugee camps in Afghanistan’s Barmal district, killing 46 people, including women and children.
• The Taliban claimed that the border attacks were a response to the same airstrike.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border dispute: an old issue

The dispute over the Durand Line (the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan) has been going on for a long time.

1. Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line.
2. Pakistan says that this border is internationally recognized.
3. Border skirmishes occur frequently, but tensions have increased in recent days.