Kabul, Afghanistan | July 21, 2025— The Islamic State Khorasan Province ISKP in Northern Afghanistan has significantly strengthened its foothold in northern Afghanistan, intensifying fears of terrorism spilling over into neighboring regions, particularly Central Asia and Pakistan. Despite numerous counter-terrorism operations by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IAG), the militant group continues to recruit, arm, and organize across the provinces of Badakhshan, Takhar, Balkh, Kunduz, and Samangan. The unchecked rise of ISKP in northern Afghanistan now poses a direct threat to the region’s fragile peace and Pakistan’s national security.

ISKP Entangles Northern Afghanistan in Militant Networks

The IAG’s failure to decisively neutralize ISKP in northern Afghanistan has allowed the group to entrench itself within the local ethnic landscape. Leveraging its radical ideology, ISKP has actively recruited from Tajik and Uzbek communities, exploiting existing socio-political grievances and economic hardships. This calculated expansion reflects the group’s strategy to transform northern Afghanistan into a militant stronghold capable of launching transnational operations.

Furthermore, ISKP’s ideological resilience continues to flourish in areas where the IAG struggles to maintain governance and intelligence superiority. Despite conducting repeated raids and limited ground operations, the Taliban-led government has failed to eliminate the root causes driving ISKP’s recruitment and influence. As a result, ISKP in northern Afghanistan has emerged as a potent force that continues to challenge both the sovereignty of Afghanistan and regional security frameworks.

Pakistan Raises Alarms Over Suspected Indian Support

Islamabad has voiced serious concerns over the growing strength of ISKP in northern Afghanistan. According to Pakistani security officials, there is compelling circumstantial evidence suggesting external sponsorship, especially from India, aimed at destabilizing Pakistan and undermining regional cohesion.

Pakistan maintains that ISKP’s narrative warfare is not organically growing but is being shaped and amplified with covert assistance. This strategic manipulation is particularly dangerous, as it enables ISKP to gain ideological momentum and international visibility. Consequently, the threat posed by ISKP in northern Afghanistan is no longer confined to Afghanistan’s borders but stretches towards the heart of South and Central Asia.

Rising Terror Threat Endangers Central Asia’s Borders

Another pressing concern is the geographic proximity of ISKP-controlled zones to the borders of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The consolidation of ISKP in these northern regions significantly heightens the risk of cross-border terrorism, arms trafficking, and radicalization of youth across the border.

The growing capability of ISKP to stockpile weapons and operate in hard-to-reach mountainous terrain makes the group more dangerous than ever. Regional intelligence sources fear that if left unchecked, ISKP in northern Afghanistan could serve as a launching pad for extremist activities throughout Central Asia, disrupting fragile security ecosystems and undermining long-term regional cooperation.

Unchecked Extremism Blocks Regional Progress

The continued rise of ISKP in northern Afghanistan does not only threaten regional stability but also blocks efforts toward economic development and diplomatic cooperation. As long as extremist groups like ISKP remain active and emboldened, initiatives such as cross-border trade, infrastructure projects, and regional connectivity face serious hurdles.

In conclusion, the persistent failure of the IAG to dismantle ISKP’s infrastructure and the alleged involvement of foreign actors make this a multi-layered threat. A proactive regional strategy involving all stakeholders, including Pakistan, China, Russia, and Central Asian republics, is urgently required to prevent northern Afghanistan from becoming a permanent terrorist sanctuary.