Tensions flared up along the Durand Line over the weekend after fierce overnight clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces left dozens dead, prompting appeals for calm from regional countries.

The Taliban claimed its forces launched retaliatory strikes on Saturday night, killing 58 Pakistani soldiers, wounding 30 and destroying 20 outposts. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said nine Afghan fighters were killed and 16 wounded in the exchange. The operation, he added, was halted at midnight following mediation requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Islamabad rejected the casualty figures, calling the Taliban’s actions “unprovoked and provocative”. Pakistan media, quoting ISPR’s statement, stated that more than 200 Taliban and affiliated terrorists were neutralised, while the number of

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