The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the latest act of aggression by Pakistani forces, who opened fire on the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar while peace negotiations between the two countries were underway in Istanbul.

In a statement released by the Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman, Mawlavi Zabihullah Mujahid, it was confirmed that Afghan border units chose not to retaliate out of respect for the ongoing talks and to protect innocent civilians living near the frontier.

“While the third round of negotiations with the Pakistani side has begun in Istanbul, unfortunately, Pakistani forces once again opened fire on Spin Boldak, causing panic and concern among local residents,” Mujahid said. “Our forces have shown restraint to avoid civilian casualties and to honor the peace efforts.”

The spokesman emphasized that Afghanistan remains fully committed to the peace process and expects Pakistan to act responsibly, in accordance with the understandings reached in earlier rounds of dialogue. He stressed that Afghanistan’s measured response reflects the Islamic Emirate’s desire to maintain regional stability and prevent unnecessary escalation.

Mujahid also underlined that the repeated violations of Afghan sovereignty by Pakistani forces are unacceptable and undermine mutual trust. He warned that continued provocations could have serious consequences if Islamabad fails to control its military units operating near the border.

Reports from Kandahar indicate that the unprovoked firing caused damage to civilian homes and forced several families to flee the area. Afghan local authorities have been deployed to assist affected residents and prevent further escalation.

The Istanbul talks, currently in their third round, aim to establish a long-term mechanism to ensure border stability, trade facilitation, and cooperation against armed groups operating in the frontier regions. Despite these diplomatic efforts, repeated Pakistani violations have cast a shadow over the process.

Afghan political observers note that the Islamic Emirate’s calm and disciplined approach demonstrates its maturity and commitment to peaceful coexistence, while Islamabad’s actions risk deepening regional instability.

The Islamic Emirate reiterated its position that Afghanistan will never allow its territory to be used for hostility against any neighbor, but it also reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and people should aggression persist.

“We want peace and stability, not conflict,” Mujahid said. “But Pakistan must understand that patience has its limits, and Afghanistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness.”

As border tensions remain high, the Afghan side continues to call for mutual respect, dialogue, and adherence to agreements — the only path, it says, to lasting peace between two neighboring Muslim nations. (ILKHA)