Pakistan launches artillery strikes on Afghanistan amid ongoing peace talks

Pakistan carried out artillery strikes on Afghan territory on November 6, coinciding with peace negotiations between the two countries in Türkiye, Afghan military source and local eyewitnesses confirmed.

“Pakistan used light and heavy weaponry, striking civilian areas,” an Afghan military official, who requested anonymity,said, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Eyewitnesses indicated that the shelling lasted between 10 and 15 minutes, causing concern among local residents.

Despite the incident, Afghan forces chose not to retaliate, citing respect for the ongoing diplomatic dialogue in Istanbul.

On November 6, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime held a new round of high-stakes talks in Istanbul, aimed at easing escalating border tensions and securing a lasting ceasefire following last month’s deadly cross-border clashes.

Diplomatic and military delegations from Pakistan arrived in Istanbul for the negotiations, which were being mediated by Türkiye and Qatar.

The discussions followed a five-day round of talks in October, which ended with a last-minute interim agreement but failed to address Pakistan’s core demand—halting militant activity originating from Afghan soil.

By Vafa Guliyeva