The uneasy peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan collapsed late Friday night. The Taliban accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes in southeastern Afghanistan. Officials said the attacks killed at least 10 people. Afghanistan’s cricket board confirmed that three of those killed were local cricketers. The board called it a major loss for the nation’s cricket community. The airstrikes came just hours after both countries agreed to extend a 48-hour ceasefire. The extension was meant to last until talks in Doha ended.

How the Conflict Started

The latest tension began last week when explosions rocked Kabul overnight. Afghan authorities blamed Pakistan for the blasts. The incident took place while Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was visiting India — a timing that further strained ties.

Pakistan denied involvement in the Kabul explosions. However, it claimed its forces had killed 30 militants during raids on Pakistani Taliban hideouts. Soon after, fierce clashes broke out along the border.

Pakistan accused Afghanistan of “playing a game of fire and blood.” In response, the Taliban said the fighting was “in retaliation,” accusing Islamabad of violating Afghan sovereignty.

Dispute Over Militants

Pakistan has long accused the Taliban government of sheltering fighters from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad blames the group for several deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied these claims and said it does not support any militant activity.

A Ceasefire That Did Not Last

After days of clashes, both sides agreed to a short 48-hour ceasefire. The Taliban claimed it had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan, meanwhile, said more than 200 Afghans had died. Each side insisted the other had proposed the truce.

Later, they decided to extend the ceasefire during ongoing peace talks in Doha. However, violence resumed soon after. Pakistan reported an attack on a military camp in North Waziristan and said its forces had killed six militants.

Hours later, Afghan officials said Pakistan launched airstrikes in Paktika province and nearby regions. “At least 10 people, including three local cricketers, were killed,” said a police spokesperson in Afghanistan.

Reports also said a Pakistani strike hit a civilian house in Khanadar village near the border.

Pakistan’s Stern Warning to Afghans

As the situation worsened, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a warning. He said relations with Kabul might “never return to normalcy.” He also declared that “all Afghans residing on Pakistani soil must return.”

“They (Afghan nationals) now have their own government/caliphate in Kabul...Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis,” Asif stated.

He also took a jab at India, accusing Afghanistan of acting as its proxy. “The rulers of Kabul, who are now sitting in India's lap and conspiring against Pakistan, were once under our protection, hiding on our land,” he wrote on X. His remarks came days after Taliban minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India.

Afghanistan Pulls Out of Cricket Series

After the death of the three local cricketers, Afghanistan’s cricket board withdrew from the tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The board said the decision was “a gesture of respect to the victims.”

The ACB said the players were from Urgun District in Paktika Province. “The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering,” the statement read. The board called the airstrike a “cowardly” act.

Afghan Cricketers Express Grief

Afghanistan’s top players mourned the tragedy. Captain Rashid Khan wrote on X, “A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.”

Pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi condemned the attack, writing, “The massacre of innocent civilians and our domestic cricket players by these oppressors is a heinous, unforgivable crime.”

Veteran player Mohammad Nabi also shared his grief. “This incident is not only a tragedy for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation as a whole,” he said.

Tensions Continue Despite Talks

The alleged airstrikes have once again strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Both countries continue to trade accusations of cross-border attacks and militant support. Despite ongoing talks in Doha, peace remains uncertain. The violence has not only deepened mistrust but also threatened to destabilize the region further.