In recent years, Pakistan has consistently sought to strengthen its relations with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels. Islamabad hosted two trilateral dialogues focused on peace, connectivity, and counterterrorism. High-level visits by Pakistan’s Interior, Foreign, and Railway Ministers to Kabul further underscored Islamabad’s commitment to building trust and cooperation.
During these meetings, Afghan officials repeatedly assured Pakistan that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorist activities against its neighbor, an assurance also enshrined in the Doha Agreement.
Rising Terror Attacks Despite Assurances
Despite these pledges, Pakistan witnessed a significant rise in terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Many of these attacks were linked to militants of Afghan origin and members of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Intelligence reports revealed the presence of multiple TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan, from where cross-border attacks were orchestrated. Pakistan’s patience, built over years of engagement and goodwill, began to wear thin.
Pakistan’s Targeted Response
Frustrated by continued violations, Pakistan reportedly launched targeted airstrikes on suspected TTP positions in Afghanistan. Among these was an alleged attempt to eliminate TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, who reportedly survived the attack. While Islamabad has not officially claimed responsibility, Afghan authorities were quick to accuse Pakistan of carrying out the strikes.
Escalation Amid Muttaqi’s Visit to India
The situation grew more complex as Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi embarked on a six-day visit to India, the longest official trip by any Taliban minister so far. During the visit, Muttaqi made several statements critical of Pakistan.
Both India and Afghanistan appeared to align their messaging, portraying Pakistan as destabilizing the region. Indian media further amplified this stance, falsely claiming that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-KP) operated from within Pakistan, claims that contradict the UN’s findings, which clearly identify IS-KP’s strongholds within Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Cross-Border Operation and ISPR’s Statement
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military operations, conducted in self-defense, neutralized over 200 militants and destroyed multiple TTP and Taliban-linked positions.
The ISPR stated that 21 border outposts were temporarily captured, and several training facilities were destroyed. Pakistan lost 28 soldiers in the operation, while many others sustained injuries. The statement clarified that these actions were aimed at terrorist elements using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan, not against the Afghan people or state.
In an official statement, ISPR stated: “Last night’s episode vindicates Pakistan’s long-standing position that the Taliban Government is actively facilitating the terrorists. If the Taliban Government continues to sponsor terrorist outfits, in cohorts with India, for the shortsighted objective of destabilizing the region, the people and the state of Pakistan will not rest until the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is completely eliminated.”
Afghanistan’s Retaliation and Pakistan’s Firm Response
In retaliation, Afghan forces initiated cross-border firing targeting Pakistani positions along the frontier. However, Pakistan responded swiftly and decisively with coordinated aerial and ground operations. Reports confirmed that Pakistani forces captured several Afghan military posts, destroyed tanks and other assets, and raised the national flag on the Ghaznali Post, located approximately 3 km inside Afghan territory.
According to security sources, the Pakistan Air Force carried out precision airstrikes on key militant and Taliban installations in Kandahar and Kabul. The operation targeted Battalion Headquarters No. 4, the 8th Battalion, and Border Brigade No. 5 in Kandahar, all carefully selected to avoid civilian areas and successfully neutralized. In Kabul, intelligence-led strikes also destroyed hideouts linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
The security sources emphasized that these strikes were conducted with precision and were part of a broader campaign to eliminate terrorist infrastructure threatening Pakistan’s national security.
Strikes were conducted in Kabul, Paktika, Khost, Nangarhar, and Kandahar, intensifying the border conflict. Following these escalations, both sides agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, though it remains uncertain whether it will hold.
Border Closures and Humanitarian Concerns
All key Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings, including Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, and Angoor Adda, have been closed, halting trade and movement. Hospitals in Pakistan’s Kurram District declared emergencies as sporadic cross-border fire continued.
Analysts fear a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan if trade routes remain closed, leading to shortages of food, fuel, and medicines.
Speaking to Hindukush Tribune Network, Brigadier (R) Mehmood Shah, former Secretary FATA, explained Pakistan’s military objectives:
“There is no long war between the two countries. Pakistan doesn’t foresee capturing Afghanistan. It has occupied a few entry points to stop the infiltration of rogue elements and to pursue them inside Afghanistan to a limited depth. Pakistan has the right and capability to defend its soil and people from outside aggression.”
He added:
“Pakistan wouldn’t be interested in reducing the Afghan Army except if they defend those rogue elements. These elements can be dissipated through an aggressive air and ground campaign. Pakistan has the capability to use Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weaponry and rocket systems, but this must be supported by strong ground intelligence. I see a humanitarian tragedy in Afghanistan. If the routes remain closed, there will be shortages of food and medical supplies.”
The Emerging Afghanistan-India Nexus
Muttaqi’s visit and India’s coordinated media campaign suggest growing alignment between Kabul and New Delhi against Islamabad. Indian outlets have been promoting anti-Pakistan narratives, often relying on questionable sources such as former TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan, now living abroad.
Pakistan, however, remains firm that its actions are defensive and aimed solely at neutralizing terrorist threats.
Pakistan’s Stance: Defense, Not Aggression
Pakistan’s government has clarified that its recent military actions are directed at terrorist groups like the TTP and not the Afghan people. Officials have begun referring to the Taliban administration as an “occupying regime,” signaling deep frustration with Kabul’s inability, or unwillingness, to curb cross-border militancy.
Islamabad’s Foreign Ministry has also stated that “soon enough there will be a government in Afghanistan that its people truly want,” reflecting a loss of confidence in the current leadership. In an official statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that
“Pakistan remains desirous of a peaceful, stable, friendly, inclusive, regionally connected, and prosperous Afghanistan. Pakistan expects the Taliban regime to act responsibly, honour its commitments, and play a constructive role in achieving the shared objective of rooting out terrorism from its soil. We also hope that one day, the Afghan people will be emancipated and governed by a truly representative government.”
A Test for Regional Stability
As the 48-hour ceasefire holds, the world watches whether peace talks can de-escalate tensions. What remains clear is that Pakistan’s bold stance is rooted in defense, not expansionism.
Its actions send a strong message: Pakistan seeks peace, but it will not tolerate terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. The future of regional stability may depend on whether Kabul and New Delhi choose dialogue over confrontation and whether Afghanistan ensures that its territory is no longer a safe haven for those who threaten Pakistan’s security and sovereignty.
