Pakistan, Afghanistan Trade Fire Along Border as Peace Talks Open in Istanbul
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged gunfire along their volatile border near the southern Afghan town of Spin Boldak, even as peace talks between the two nations began in Istanbul. Each side accused the other of initiating the clash, which reportedly caused several injuries but no confirmed fatalities. The exchange occurred along a disputed section of the 2,600-km (1,600-mile) frontier, where tensions have remained high following months of cross-border skirmishes and security incidents. The timing of the clash has cast a shadow over the Istanbul talks, which aim to improve diplomatic and security cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul. Officials from both countries said they remain committed to dialogue despite the border tensions. Analysts noted that continued mistrust and militant activity in the frontier regions pose serious challenges to regional stability and efforts to rebuild relations.
