Russia steps in as Pakistan–Afghanistan border fighting leaves dozens dead

Moscow has called for calm after two days of deadly clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan that left dozens of people dead and brought trade to a standstill along one of the region’s most volatile frontiers.

“We are closely monitoring the events,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Monday, adding that “the situation is stabilising.”

The statement came as China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued similar appeals for restraint.

Tensions first flared Thursday when the Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out explosions in Kabul and the eastern province of Paktika. Two days later, Taliban fighters launched coordinated attacks on several Pakistani military outposts. The fighting quickly escalated, with both sides using artillery, drones, and heavy gunfire through early Sunday.

Each side has offered sharply different casualty counts. Pakistan’s army said 23 of its soldiers were killed and claimed to have taken out 200 Taliban and allied fighters. Kabul, in turn, said its forces killed 58 Pakistani troops.

By Monday morning, Pakistani forces were on high alert, and the main border crossings remained closed. Long lines of stranded trucks loaded with goods stretched along the frontier, as both sides dug in.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry struck a cautious tone, saying it “greatly values dialogue and diplomacy,” but warned that “any further provocations would be met with an unwavering and befitting response.”

Relations between the neighbours have been on a downward slide since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allied militant group that has launched attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban have consistently denied the charge.

In July, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government, describing the move as a step toward “productive bilateral cooperation.”