Pakistani media, citing the government, reported that the shooting was initiated by the Afghan side, “to which security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner.” The ceasefire remains intact, Pakistan said, adding it remains committed to ongoing dialogue and expects reciprocity from Afghan authorities.

Meanwhile, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces opened fire near Spin Boldak, a border town in southern Afghanistan. In a post on X, Mujahid said Taliban forces did not respond “out of respect for the negotiating team and to prevent civilian casualties.”

The gunfire occurred just hours after Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that failure of the Istanbul talks could lead to war. The Pakistani defense official declared that Pakistan would respond if targeted.