Washington, DC – Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after Pakistan launched an attack on the eastern border of Afghanistan. Pakistan’s military claimed the strikes targeted key positions associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that Pakistan accuses of carrying out deadly attacks against civilians within its borders. In retaliation, the Afghan Taliban launched artillery attacks along the border, marking a significant intensification of hostilities between the neighboring countries. This exchange of fire is just the latest chapter in a longstanding and complex relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, shaped by historical, political, and security dynamics.
Pakistan’s military has justified its actions by accusing the TTP of using Afghan soil to plan and execute attacks against Pakistani civilians and security forces. The TTP has been a persistent security threat to Pakistan, and many of its members have sought refuge in Afghanistan, particularly in Taliban-controlled regions. However, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has consistently denied these accusations, insisting that it does not allow any militant groups to operate from Afghan territory. This dispute over cross-border militancy has been a point of contention ever since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, further straining the already fragile relations between the two countries.
One of the key issues fueling the ongoing tensions is the unresolved border dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The border, known as the Durand Line, was drawn during the British colonial era in the late 19th century but has never been accepted by Afghanistan, which views it as an artificial and illegitimate division of ethnic Pashtun territories. For the Taliban, which claims to represent Pashtun interests on both sides of the border, the Durand Line is a contentious issue, and the Afghan government has never formally recognized it. This territorial dispute has often resulted in border skirmishes and has become a symbol of broader geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Pakistan’s historical support for the Taliban during the 20-year U.S.-led coalition military campaign in Afghanistan. Throughout the conflict, Pakistan provided significant backing to the Taliban, both diplomatically and militarily, despite international criticism. Pakistan viewed the Taliban as a strategic ally in maintaining influence in Afghanistan and countering Indian influence in the region. This support continued even after the fall of Kabul in 2021 when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. The Taliban’s victory was seen as a culmination of Pakistan’s longstanding policy of supporting the group. However, this relationship has now shifted as Pakistan faces growing security threats from the same militants it once supported.
The recent escalation in hostilities has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for “restraint” from both sides and urged them to engage in “constructive dialogue” to de-escalate the situation. Russia, which has its own concerns about stability in Central Asia, expressed concern that further conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan could destabilize the broader region. International calls for dialogue underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but the ongoing border dispute, the presence of militant groups, and the complex historical relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban suggest that finding a diplomatic solution will be difficult. Until these deep-rooted issues are addressed, tensions will likely continue to flare between the two nations.
Se Hoon Kim
Se Hoon Kim is the Managing Editor at Global Strat View.
