Clashes Resume in Zabul and Kunar as Pakistan Vows to 'Eradicate Terrorism'

Cross-border clashes resumed in Zabul province and continued in Kunar province following the expiry of the Eid ceasefire, with Afghan Taliban border forces and Pakistani military exchanging artillery and small-arms fire at multiple points along the Durand Line. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated Pakistan remains 'firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism,' signaling no change in Pakistan's strategic posture. Pakistan said its position was that the ceasefire remained intact on its side provided no attacks came from Afghan territory, a formulation Kabul dismissed. Afghan officials accused Pakistani forces of provoking the renewed exchanges. No major casualty figures were immediately released for the Zabul clashes, but local Afghan officials confirmed fighting at several border posts.