Pakistan-Afghanistan Cross-Border Fire Threatens China-Brokered Ceasefire

The fragile China-mediated ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan — agreed in March 2026 — came under severe strain as both sides exchanged fire along the border. Pakistani security forces reported at least 3 civilians injured in South Waziristan. The Afghan Taliban simultaneously claimed Pakistani mortars and rockets struck homes and the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University campus in Asadabad, Kunar province, wounding 45 including students, women, and children. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry categorically denied striking the university or civilian areas. A Pakistani border force spokesman described the incident as the most serious ceasefire breach since the truce was declared.