Heavy gunfire along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border late Friday night has once again heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Although no casualties have been reported so far, the incident has raised concerns as it occurred just two days after last week’s unsuccessful peace talks in Saudi Arabia.

The exchange of fire took place mainly in Afghanistan’s Spin Boldak area of Kandahar province and Pakistan’s Chaman border region. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has blamed the Pakistani forces for the attack. Pakistan, however, has long claimed that Afghanistan-based militants are carrying out attacks on its soil—an allegation repeatedly denied by Kabul.

With mediation by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, a fresh meeting was held last week to ease tensions following a deadly border clash in October. That clash, which killed dozens, was considered the worst violence since the Taliban seized power in 2021.

After the talks, both sides agreed to continue a fragile ceasefire, but the latest round of gunfire has once again cast uncertainty over the peace process.