Renewed Conflict: Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Shelling

Afghanistan's government has accused Pakistan's military of shelling the outskirts of Asadabad, a city in Kunar Province, on March 29, 2026. This incident resulted in one fatality and injuries to at least 16 individuals, predominantly women and children. The shelling is part of a broader resurgence of violence that began in late February 2026, marking the most intense conflict between the two nations in decades.

The conflict is rooted in longstanding accusations from Pakistan that Afghanistan harbors militants, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, who conduct attacks across the border. The Pakistani Taliban, while distinct, maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban, which has governed Afghanistan since the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces in 2021. Afghanistan's deputy government spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, has denied these allegations, asserting that the shelling targeted civilian areas using "mortars and other heavy weaponry."

The recent hostilities have included numerous cross-border skirmishes and airstrikes, with Afghanistan claiming that a Pakistani airstrike earlier in March struck a drug treatment hospital in Kabul, resulting in over 400 deaths. Pakistan, however, contends that its military actions are aimed at eliminating militant threats. The United Nations humanitarian affairs office is currently verifying the total death toll from these incidents, indicating a complex and chaotic situation.

The escalating violence has raised alarms within the international community, particularly given the presence of other militant groups, such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State, in the region. In an effort to mitigate the conflict, a temporary truce was declared just prior to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, facilitated by mediators from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar. Despite these efforts, tensions remain high, and the two nations have reported significantly differing casualty figures from the ongoing clashes.

Critics of the Afghan government's response argue that the ongoing violence and failure to secure peace talks reflect a lack of effective governance and diplomatic strategy. The peace negotiations held in Istanbul in November 2025 did not yield a long-term resolution, highlighting the challenges both nations face in addressing their grievances.

• “Last month, Pakistan declared that it was in “open war” with Afghanistan.” — Pakistani Government Statement

There are significant discrepancies between Afghanistan and Pakistan regarding casualty figures and the nature of military actions. While Afghanistan reports civilian casualties from shelling, Pakistan maintains that its operations target militants. The international community continues to seek clarity on the situation as humanitarian concerns grow.

The ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan underscores the fragile security landscape in the region, with implications for both nations and their populations.