The Afghan Taliban issued a rare statement on October 13th, 2025, supporting protests by Pakistan's Barelvi group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), deeming them lawful and accusing the Pakistani army of firing on demonstrators. The statement, released between 1:08 PM and 2:08 PM UTC, also expressed sympathy for the victims, signaling growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. Earlier in the day, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that "Afghanistan key log is very sharif (innocent), does not trouble anyone." This development follows reports of ongoing clashes in Muridke, Pakistan, between TLP protestors and security forces, which have been described as "spiralling out of control." The Taliban's public backing of the TLP protests, a group previously associated with unrest in Pakistan, marks a significant escalation in rhetoric from Kabul towards Islamabad. The timing of the statement, released during the reporting window, underscores the immediacy of these strained relations. Previously, on the night of October 11-12, Pakistan reported that Taliban forces had initiated firing on Pakistani posts and attempted to facilitate the crossing of TTP Khawarij formations into Pakistan. Pakistani forces responded to these incursions. Despite multiple ceasefire requests from the Afghan Taliban, Pakistan continued its operations. A fifth request on humanitarian grounds to collect bodies was partially accepted. Pakistan has warned of a full response to future Afghan incursions or terrorist acts originating from Afghanistan. Adding to the complex regional dynamics, Taliban militants were observed transporting ancient Luna-M and Scud-B missiles to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border between 10:06 AM UTC and 10:35 AM UTC on October 13th, 2025. These missiles were reportedly unearthed from Panjshir. This activity coincides with earlier reports of bombings in Kabul and domestic unrest within Pakistan. Elements of Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC) have also reportedly been observed operating inside Afghanistan's Kandahar province, targeting Afghan Taliban positions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, this morning for a Gaza peace plan signing ceremony attended by U.S. President Donald Trump. Pakistan also dispatched 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza today, positioning itself in international diplomatic efforts amidst its escalating border and domestic security challenges.
