Pakistan's president has accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of crossing a 'red line' after alleged drone attacks on civilian areas inside Pakistan, warning that Kabul would face grave consequences. Pakistani officials said intercepted drones injured civilians when debris fell in Quetta and other areas, marking a sharp escalation in the most intense fighting between the two neighbors in years.

Afghanistan, in turn, accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes in Kabul and eastern regions that killed at least six civilians and wounded others. Kabul said it retaliated by targeting military sites near Islamabad and in northwestern Pakistan, while Islamabad denied hitting civilians and insisted its operations target Pakistani Taliban militants operating from Afghan territory.

The violence comes amid growing regional concern, with China and Turkey attempting to broker a ceasefire. China has urged restraint and dispatched its special envoy to both capitals, while Afghan officials say they seek dialogue. Previous mediation efforts, including a Qatar-brokered truce, have failed to secure lasting peace as cross-border attacks and militant violence continue to fuel tensions.