Pakistan threatens further action after border clashes with Afghanistan
Regional powers, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have urged both sides to exercise restraint and settle disputes through dialogue to prevent a wider conflict.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday that Islamabad has carried out “befitting defensive strikes” against Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) targets along the border following what he described as “unprovoked firing and raids” by Afghan forces.
In a statement posted on X, Dar said Pakistan was “deeply concerned over the developments on the Pak–Afghan border”, accusing the IEA of serious provocation and cross-border aggression.
“Unprovoked firing and raids along the Pak-Afghan border by the Taliban (IEA) Government is a serious provocation,” Dar wrote. “Pakistan’s befitting response and strikes are against Taliban (IEA) infrastructure and to neutralize Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.”
He added that Pakistan’s actions were defensive in nature and not directed toward civilians.
“Our defensive response is not targeted towards peace-loving Afghan civilians. Unlike Taliban (IEA) forces, we are exercising extreme caution to avoid loss of civilian lives,” he said.
Dar urged Kabul to “take concrete measures against terrorist elements and their perpetrators that wish to derail Pak–Afghan relations”, warning that Pakistan would continue to defend its sovereignty and citizens.
“Pakistan will take all possible measures to defend its own territory, sovereignty and its people,” he said.
The statement came amid escalating clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces along the Durand Line, particularly near Spin Boldak–Chaman and Kurram, where both sides have exchanged heavy fire since late Saturday night. Officials from Islamabad and Kabul have accused each other of initiating the hostilities.
Earlier Sunday, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, 30 wounded, and more than 20 security posts captured in a “revenge operation.” He said the IEA had cancelled a planned visit by a Pakistani delegation following what it called violations of Afghan airspace. Pakistan has not confirmed those figures.
The flare-up marks one of the most serious border escalations since the IEA took power in 2021, threatening already strained relations between the two neighbours. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the IEA of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters responsible for deadly attacks inside Pakistan — an allegation Kabul denies.
Regional powers, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have urged both sides to exercise restraint and settle disputes through dialogue to prevent a wider conflict.
Analysts warn that sustained clashes could disrupt trade routes, trigger refugee flows, and further destabilize the region, especially as both governments grapple with internal security and economic pressures.
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Afghanistan seeks closer trade cooperation with Uzbekistan
Uzbek officials also unveiled plans to open trade chambers in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to help boost exports and improve market access for regional products.
Afghanistan has called on Uzbekistan to establish a coordination and liaison office at the Termez border market to strengthen direct business ties between the private sectors of the two countries.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Mazar-i-Sharif between Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Amanbai Orynbaev, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region.
During the talks, both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in the export of Afghan cotton, coal, fresh and dried fruits, as well as joint projects in food production, construction materials, tourism, pharmaceutical manufacturing, mineral processing, and investment in key economic sectors.
Uzbek officials also unveiled plans to open trade chambers in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to help boost exports and improve market access for regional products.
As part of the visit, the Uzbek delegation inaugurated an expo of national products in Mazar-i-Sharif aimed at promoting trade and economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan has announced scholarship opportunities for Afghan students under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program for the 2027 academic year.
According to the embassy, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is offering scholarships for graduate-level study at Japanese universities under the research student category, including both regular and non-regular students.
Interested and eligible applicants can download the application guidelines and forms from the official Study in Japan website and are advised to carefully review all requirements before applying.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and have prepared all required documents must submit their applications by 25 May 2026. The embassy said late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
The first screening process will include a written examination in Kabul on 18 June 2026, followed by interviews scheduled for July 2026 (date to be confirmed).
The Embassy of Japan noted that the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan will assist in collecting applications and facilitating written examinations, but will not be involved in the selection process.
It further emphasized that the selection will be conducted independently by the embassy and the Japanese government, based on academic merit, quality of application documents, and performance in written and interview examinations, without consideration of religious, linguistic, or ethnic background.
The scholarship program is fully funded and free of charge. The embassy warned applicants to remain cautious against scams, stressing that no financial contributions are required at any stage of the application process.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, has launched the distribution of more than 1,000 residential land plots for returning migrants in Logar province.
During a visit to Logar, Hanafi inaugurated a new township and said the initiative aims to support Afghan returnees by providing them with housing opportunities and improving settlement conditions.
He called for speeding up the process of distributing residential plots designated for migrants, stressing the importance of timely implementation.
“We inaugurated this township today, which includes more than 1,000 plots. These plots will be distributed to migrants. In addition, other townships will also be constructed soon,” he said.
Hanafi also noted that over the past three years, more than five million Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries, adding that efforts are underway to provide them with essential services and support their reintegration.
Afghanistan seeks closer trade cooperation with Uzbekistan
Japan announces MEXT scholarships for Afghan students for 2027 academic year
New township to provide over 1,000 land plots for returnees in Logar
Ariana Afghan Airlines lowers cargo rates on Kabul–Delhi route to boost exports
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Tahawol: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s growing economic ties discussed
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Tawsia: Discussion on Afghanistan’s economic path and position
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