Border Skirmishes Spark Global Calls for Calm

The clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban has stretched into a third day after night‑time exchanges. Pakistan launched strikes against Taliban positions in Kabul and Kandahar, claiming the attacks were a reaction to cross‑border raids. Afghanistan responded by saying the strikes violated its sovereignty, yet it also hinted that talks could still happen. The fighting threatens a long‑term war along the 2, 600‑kilometre frontier. Both sides have reported heavy casualties, but the numbers differ widely and no independent confirmation exists. International voices have risen quickly.The United Nations, the European Union, Russia and China all urged a halt to violence and a return to dialogue. The United States praised Pakistan’s right to defend itself but also warned that the situation could worsen if not handled carefully. Pakistan’s military, with a large army and modern air power, is far stronger than the Taliban, who rely mainly on ground forces. Despite this imbalance, the Taliban has shown resilience after years of conflict against foreign troops. The situation remains tense as each side prepares for further operations while global leaders push for peace talks.