Tensions flared once more between Pakistan and Afghanistan late Tuesday night as gunfire erupted along the countries’ northwest frontier. The Taliban government in Kabul claimed at least 15 civilians were killed and more than 100 injured in attacks carried out by Pakistan’s military BBC report.
Analysts warned that Islamabad’s counteroffensive could further deepen the ongoing strain between the two neighbors.
However, that stability appears to have unraveled over the past week when both sides engaged in retaliatory clashes. On Tuesday, defying earlier pledges to halt hostilities, troops from both countries exchanged heavy fire across the northwest frontier.
Pakistan’s state-run media alleged that Afghan forces launched an unprovoked attack, prompting Pakistan to destroy several military outposts and tanks in response. The fighting, which began at dawn, continued through the day, forcing residents in nearby areas to flee their homes.
“We are all worried. People are leaving the area. Both governments must stop this war,” said one local resident.
Hopes for diplomatic progress — signaled recently by a meeting between the two foreign ministers in Kabul. Now appear to have faded amid renewed border violence.
Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of sheltering members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). And other militant groups that allegedly carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government has repeatedly denied these claims.
Experts say Pakistan seems to be adopting a new security doctrine — one that allows immediate retaliation against cross-border attacks from Afghanistan. Observers are calling this approach Islamabad’s “new normal.” Drawing parallels to India’s policy of surgical responses to attacks across its borders — a stance once sharply criticized by Pakistan itself.
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Meanwhile, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently visited New Delhi, signaling growing ties between Afghanistan and India. Islamabad now views this partnership as a potential security threat fearing Kabul and New Delhi could coordinate activities hostile to Pakistan.
