Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has issued a warning that Kabul has "other options" if peace negotiations with Pakistan do not succeed. This statement comes amid escalating border clashes that have resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. The recent fighting along the Durand Line marks one of the most significant confrontations since the Taliban assumed power in 2021.

Muttaqi stated that Afghanistan's retaliatory operations against Pakistan were successful and conducted with care to avoid civilian harm. He noted, "The overnight retaliatory operation against Pakistan that we carried out for four hours achieved our objectives, and during that, we tried to ensure that none of the civilians faced any kind of harm."

Despite the tensions, he claimed the situation was "under control" and accused certain factions in Pakistan of attempting to destabilize relations. He expressed that while most people in Pakistan desire peaceful relations with Afghanistan, a few groups are trying to escalate the situation. "Afghanistan will continue to protect its sovereignty. Whatever has happened at the borders, we are giving the proper reply and have achieved our targets," he added.

Muttaqi emphasized Afghanistan's commitment to a peaceful resolution, stating, "We believe all disputes must be resolved by dialogue," but also affirmed the country's capability to defend its borders. He remarked, "If someone doesn’t agree with that, Afghanistan has the capability to protect its borders."

In response to the rising tensions, a senior Pakistani official confirmed that paramilitary forces have been deployed to the Torkham border, which is now closed to trade and pedestrian movement. Civilian staff have been withdrawn for safety reasons. Additionally, the Chaman crossing with Afghanistan's Kandahar province has also been sealed.

The Taliban-led Defence Ministry in Kabul declared that Afghan forces are "fully prepared to defend the nation’s borders" and warned of a "strong response" if Pakistan violates its territorial integrity again. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed and around 30 wounded during the recent operations, with 20 Pakistani outposts reportedly destroyed. However, Islamabad has labeled the Afghan strikes as "unprovoked," with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accusing Kabul of targeting civilians and calling it a "blatant violation of international laws." He stated that Pakistan's forces would respond effectively to any provocations, asserting that Afghanistan is being met with "stones for bricks."