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ISLAMABAD: The governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan accused each other of violting their ceasefire via unprovoked firing at the border on Thursday, as delegations from both countries hold peace talks in Istanbul. 

Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on social media platform X that Pakistani forces opened fire on the Spin Boldak border town on Thursday afternoon. Mujahid said Afghan forces did not respond out of respect for the negotiating team and to prevent civilian casualties. 

Pakistan's information ministry rejected the allegations, alleging that the firing was initiated by the Afghan forces. The ministry said Pakistan's security forces responded immediately in a "measured and responsible manner."

"The situation was brought under control due to responsible action by Pakistani forces and the ceasefire remains intact," the ministry said on X.

"Pakistan remains committed to ongoing dialogue and expects reciprocity from Afghan authorities."

TALKS IN ISTANBUL

Security issues are at the heart of their dispute, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), that launch attacks in Pakistan, accusations the Taliban government denies.

The Istanbul talks are intended to finalize a truce approved on Oct. 19 in Qatar that ended a week of deadly clashes between the South Asian neighbors.

Fifty civilians were killed and 447 others wounded on the Afghan side of the border during a week of clashes in October, according to the United Nations. At least five people died in explosions in Kabul.

The Pakistani army reported 23 of its soldiers were killed and 29 others wounded, without mentioning civilian casualties.

Both sides held talks in Istanbul that reached an impasse last week when it came to finalizing ceasefire details, with each side accusing the other of not being willing to cooperate.

Both sides also warned of a resumption of hostilities in case of failure.

Host Turkey said at the conclusion of last week's talks that the parties had agreed to establish a "monitoring and verification mechanism" to maintain peace and penalize violators.

The Taliban government wants Afghanistan's territorial sovereignty respected.

Islamabad also accuses the Afghan government of acting with the support of India, its historical enemy, amid closer ties between the two countries.

With additional input from AFP