Afghanistan has officially rejected a request for an official visit by a high-ranking Pakistani delegation led by Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, according to reports published Monday by Ariana News, citing sources within the Afghan government.

The rejection comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, particularly along the Durand Line. Afghan authorities pointed to recent violations of Afghan airspace and airstrikes targeting areas in Paktika province as reasons for denying the request.

Over the past two days, the Pakistani delegation reportedly made several attempts to obtain travel visas through the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad. Despite these repeated efforts, Afghan authorities declined the request for an official visit.

Sources cited by Ariana News say the refusal was directly linked to Pakistan’s recent military activities in Afghan territory. The decision to block the visit was reportedly triggered by airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on targets in Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province. Afghan officials accused Pakistan of violating the country’s airspace and targeting civilian areas in the process.

These developments have further strained already tense relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

Fighting along the Durand Line intensifies

On Saturday evening, Tolo News reported intense fighting across multiple points along the Durand Line, the disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghan authorities claimed that Pakistan had escalated the situation by launching strikes into Afghan territory.

In response, the Afghan Defense Ministry announced the completion of a “retaliation operation” against Pakistan, claiming the mission had achieved its goals successfully. No additional details were provided about the nature or scope of the operation.

The situation at the border remains fluid, with increased concerns of further escalation if diplomatic channels remain blocked.

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