Kabul, April 6 (NationPress) On Monday, the Taliban announced its takeover of a Pakistani border outpost in Eastern Afghanistan following a skirmish with Pakistani military forces, as per reports from local media.

Officials on the ground confirmed the firefight between Taliban fighters and Pakistani troops in a border zone, as reported by Amu TV and the Taliban-operated national broadcaster RTA. They indicated that an outpost was seized during these confrontations, with casualties noted on the Pakistani side.

This event unfolds amidst rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as cross-border confrontations extend into their sixth week. The ongoing hostilities have included drone strikes, air assaults, and artillery duels.

These latest confrontations were reported while diplomatic discussions continue between the two nations in China aimed at reducing tensions. Delegations from the Taliban and Pakistani officials have been engaged in talks in Urumqi, China, since last week.

On Sunday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, stated that his delegation is participating in the negotiations with a sincere and solution-focused approach, affirming the Taliban's commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue. Nonetheless, he underscored Afghanistan's right to safeguard its territorial integrity.

Recently, local inhabitants accused Pakistani forces of targeting civilian residences in the Tani district of Afghanistan's Khost, as clashes persist along the border.

Reports indicate that numerous residents have begun evacuating their homes to escape the violence, with casualties also reported in the area, according to Khaama Press, Afghanistan's principal news agency. However, there has been no official confirmation of deaths or injuries as of yet. Simultaneous clashes have also been observed in the Gurbuz district of Khost, Khaama Press added.

On March 31, participants at a 'Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga' convened in Peshawar urged the governments of both nations to halt border skirmishes and settle their differences through dialogue.

Organized by the Aspire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa think tank and the National Reform Movement (Qaumi Islahi Tehreek), the gathering attracted various political and religious leaders, as well as representatives from the business community and media, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn. They called for both nations to utilize diplomatic avenues to address their issues, given their shared cultural and religious heritage.

The ongoing conflict raises significant concerns for the citizens of both countries, and participants emphasized that the prevailing tense situation could result in grave consequences for the populations of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Following their discussions, the attendees issued a joint statement urging both nations to declare and implement a ceasefire promptly to alleviate tensions.