Pakistan has initiated a full-scale conflict against the Afghan Taliban, straining a delicate ceasefire brokered by Qatar. Following retaliatory strikes by Afghanistan along the shared border, Pakistani forces conducted airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar. The escalation began when Afghanistan responded to Sunday strikes by launching a cross-border attack on Pakistan.
In the aftermath, Pakistan claimed to have eliminated 70 militants in the Sunday operation. However, Afghanistan disputed this assertion, alleging that the strikes led to the deaths of numerous civilians, including women and children. Tensions between the two nations have been escalating for months, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of harboring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The conflict intensified after deadly border clashes in October 2025, prompting Qatar to mediate a ceasefire. Despite initially supporting the Taliban’s return to power, Pakistan’s expectations of maintaining strong ties were not met. Islamabad’s attempts to influence the Taliban’s actions have been met with resistance from Afghanistan, which rejects external interference in its affairs.
Accusations have been exchanged, with Pakistan blaming India for supporting the Taliban against Islamabad. In response, India dismissed these claims, criticizing Pakistan for deflecting internal issues. The situation worsened as Pakistan accused the Taliban of aiding the TTP from Afghan territory, leading to increased border tensions and violent incidents along The Durand Line.
Pakistan’s narrative of India’s involvement in the conflict has been refuted by both the Taliban and India. Concerns in Pakistan over India’s growing influence in Afghanistan have fueled unease. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s diminishing influence in Kabul has led to resentment, prompting attempts to involve India in the conflict to rally domestic support.
The ongoing conflict with Afghanistan serves as a distraction for Pakistan, diverting attention from internal challenges such as the TTP threat and economic instability. By implicating India in the conflict, Pakistan aims to justify its actions and address public skepticism. The situation underscores Pakistan’s need to navigate complex domestic and international dynamics amid escalating tensions.
