Pakistan PM Sharif Discusses Afghanistan with Indonesian President Amid Ongoing Taliban-Pakistan Clashes

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that he discussed recent developments in Afghanistan during a phone call with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Sharif posted on X that the two leaders also addressed the concerning situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the urgent need for restraint and renewed diplomacy to prevent further escalation of tensions. They agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days while working for regional peace and stability.

The conflicts between Taliban forces and Pakistan, including Pakistani airstrikes on parts of Afghanistan, have entered their eighth day. Local sources told Amu TV that on the eighth night of tensions, Taliban forces and Pakistani troops clashed sporadically in parts of Khost, Paktia, Paktika, Kunar, Nangarhar and Kandahar provinces.

According to details from these sources, Pakistani attacks on areas of Spin Boldak district in Kandahar killed four civilians, including three women. Sources in Kabul reported hearing sporadic gunfire from dawn that day.

Tensions escalated after Pakistan accused the Taliban of supporting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban denied the accusation. Political activists said Pakistan is paying the price for its past misguided policies, while others noted the Taliban are now pursuing a policy toward TTP similar to what Pakistan previously did against Afghanistan's former government.

After eight days of clashes, the Pakistani army claimed more than 350 Taliban fighters were killed. The Taliban countered that over 150 Pakistani soldiers died and some of their outposts were captured.