Pakistani military forces exchanged fire with the Afghan Taliban after what Islamabad called unprovoked firing along the Torkham and Tirah sectors of the Pakistan‑Afghanistan border, prompting a firm response from Pakistan’s military.
The escalation matters because tensions have spiked across the frontier, threatening regional security and civilian safety. Both military personnel and border communities are affected as Islamabad vows severe consequences for further aggression.
Read more: Bajaur attack: Pakistan issues strong demarche to Taliban
According to the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Pakistani troops “immediately and effectively” silenced the Afghan Taliban aggression following the initial attack. He warned that any new provocation would be met with strong and immediate retaliation to protect Pakistan’s territorial integrity. Pakistan’s response underscores growing frustration in Islamabad over repeated cross‑border incidents.
The Afghan Taliban regime initiated unprovoked firing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border in Torkham & Tirah sub-sectors.
Pakistan’s security forces responded immediately & effectively, silencing the Taliban aggression.
Any further provocation will be responded to…
— Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) February 24, 2026
The development follows extensive Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, which Islamabad says killed “more than 80” terrorists linked to the Tehreek‑i‑Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State‑Khorasan. Officials described the strikes as intelligence‑based and precise, targeting seven militant camps along the border region. These actions represent the most significant military engagement between the neighbors since clashes erupted in October 2025.
Read more: Pakistan strikes seven terror camps along Afghan border
Tensions have been fueled by a series of violent attacks inside Pakistan, including a Feb. 16 suicide bombing in Bajaur that killed 11 soldiers and a young girl. Investigators identified the bomber as a TTP member reportedly tied to the Afghan Taliban’s special forces. Security officials repeatedly allege militants use Afghan territory to plan and execute attacks inside Pakistan.
Despite Islamabad’s repeated calls on the Afghan Taliban to act against militant sanctuaries, Kabul has taken little substantive action, according to Pakistani statements. In recent months, senior Pakistani leaders, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, have warned that Islamabad would not hesitate to strike targets across the border if attacks continue. The Afghan Taliban previously accused Pakistan of air strikes in Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces.