Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict: Asim Munir warns of 'firm and decisive response' if borders violated

Pakistan Army Chief On Border Violations Amid Afghanistan Tensions

Pakistan Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, warned that any breach of the country’s borders would be met with a “firm and decisive response” while addressing the 17th National Workshop on Balochistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

This comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan after recent border clashes that claimed dozens of lives, injured many, and displaced thousands, even as both sides agreed to a 48-hour temporary ceasefire.

He also stated that Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and stability, but emphasized that any violation of the country’s territorial integrity, whether direct or indirect, would not be tolerated.

“While Pakistan seeks regional peace and stability, any violation of its territorial integrity, direct or indirect, will be met with a firm and decisive response to safeguard the lives and well-being of its citizens," Munir was quoted as saying in an official army statement.

Munir also spoke about the ongoing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, describing the province as “the pride of Pakistan” and praising its people as “resilient and patriotic.”

He noted that both federal and provincial governments are implementing development projects aimed at improving socio-economic conditions in the region through a people-centred approach.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Defense Minister, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has sharply rejected Pakistan’s recent attempt to implicate India in its regional issues, calling the accusations “unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.” His comments underscore Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic isolation, as even the Taliban government has distanced itself from Islamabad’s claims.

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, both bordering Afghanistan, continue to bear the brunt of terrorist violence in Pakistan, accounting for over 96% of attacks nationwide.

The Army Chief’s remarks come after a surge in cross-border violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The latest escalation began on October 9, when explosions in Kabul triggered retaliatory clashes, the most intense since the Taliban seized power in 2021.

The Taliban government accused Pakistan of being behind the blasts, while Islamabad claimed that Taliban forces were sheltering militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan.

After several days of hostilities that left casualties on both sides, the neighbours reached a 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday, later extended on Sunday. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, confirmed the truce and said follow-up talks are scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul.

Since the Taliban’s return to power, Pakistan has witnessed a spike in militant activity, particularly along the 2,600-kilometer frontier. Islamabad accuses groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of operating from Afghan territory, allegations the Taliban consistently deny.