The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed a commitment to resolving ongoing tensions with Afghanistan, noting that both countries will earnestly engage in constructive dialogue to address the issue. “During this period, both sides will sincerely strive to find a positive solution to this complex but resolvable issue through constructive dialogue,” stated the ministry.

The situation remains tense between the two nations, with reports of black smoke rising above Kabul following two explosions on Wednesday evening. This unsettling scene was described by AFP reporters who witnessed the aftermath.

In the wake of these blasts, ambulances hurried through the streets of Kabul, navigating around shattered glass from damaged buildings. The Taliban, meanwhile, took measures to secure the area, cordoning off certain sections of the city.

Adding to the turmoil, approximately 30 individuals were reportedly killed during overnight clashes along Pakistan’s northwest border, further escalating the situation.

Amidst these developments, the children of Pakistani soldier Faisal Khan, who lost his life in intense skirmishes with Taliban security forces at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman, attended his funeral in Kohat, Pakistan. The somber event underscored the human cost of the ongoing conflict.

Children of Pakistani soldier Faisal Khan, who was killed in fierce fighting with Taliban security forces at Pak-Afghan border in Chaman, attend his funeral in Kohat, Pakistan. Source: AAP / Basit Gilani

The Afghan Taliban said 15 civilians were killed and dozens wounded in the clashes near Spin Boldak and that “two to three” of its fighters were also killed.

In a separate incident, a senior security official in Peshawar in Pakistan’s northwest said seven frontier troops died in an attack on a checkpoint.