Escalating Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
The recent visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi has reignited discussions about the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Muttaqi’s remarks, urging Pakistan to cease its “games” with Afghanistan and accusing it of violating Afghan sovereignty through airstrikes, highlight the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations. These accusations come amid ongoing concerns about cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
Core Issues Driving the Conflict
At the heart of the conflict is the persistent issue of cross-border terrorism. The Taliban regime’s perceived inaction in addressing this problem has only served to fuel the existing animosity. Analysts suggest that Muttaqi’s visit signifies a notable shift in India-Taliban relations, as India has elevated its mission in Kabul to a full embassy. This strategic move is viewed as an effort to counter Pakistan’s influence and leverage Afghanistan as a base for anti-Pakistan activities.
Pakistan has consistently accused the Taliban government of harboring members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In contrast, the interim Taliban government denies these allegations, claiming that Pakistan’s airstrikes are infringing upon Afghan sovereignty.
India’s Role in Regional Dynamics
India’s involvement in Afghanistan is part of a broader regional power struggle. The country has strengthened its ties with the Taliban, using Afghanistan as a platform to support activities against Pakistan. India’s aid programs in Afghanistan have been criticized for potentially serving dual purposes, including bolstering groups hostile to Pakistan under the guise of humanitarian assistance.
Statistical data reveals a troubling trend: terrorism-related incidents in Pakistan have increased by 60% since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. This surge has resulted in over 2,267 deaths, with 161 Afghans among those killed in attacks within Pakistan. The situation has worsened significantly, with a 46% increase in violence during the third quarter of 2025 alone, leading to 901 fatalities and 599 injuries in 329 violent incidents, many linked to terrorism.
The Escalation of Terrorism in Pakistan
The overall death toll for the year has nearly matched the 2,546 fatalities recorded in all of 2024, indicating a significant rise in militant violence and counter-terrorism operations. Pakistan faces a severe terrorism threat exacerbated by cross-border dynamics. State authorities argue that the Afghan Taliban government has not taken effective measures against terrorists based in Afghanistan, despite receiving lists of culprits affiliated with banned groups like the TTP. This inaction enables the continuation and planning of terrorist activities targeting Pakistani civilians and security forces.
Strategic Rivalry and Covert Operations
India’s involvement is seen as part of a larger regional strategic rivalry. New Delhi’s engagement with the Taliban regime is perceived as an attempt to weaken Pakistan using the weapon of terrorism. Evidence suggests that India has established multiple consulates in Afghanistan, which serve as hubs for intelligence to launch covert terrorist operations inside Pakistan.
This multifaceted approach reflects India’s strategic exploitation of Afghan territory as a base to support proxies and terrorist groups against Pakistan, even while publicly affirming commitments to counterterrorism and peace in the region. Such actions expose a consistent pattern of leveraging Afghan soil to undermine Pakistan in various domains, including security, stability, diplomacy, and economics.
The Need for Resolution
Ironically, the Taliban regime has failed to act against banned TTP and BLA terrorists operating from Afghan soil. Instead, terror infrastructure has expanded, infiltration has intensified, and Afghan territory is now being used to wage a proxy war against Pakistan, often in coordination with India. It is time for the Afghan Taliban to choose between peace with Islamabad or partnership with terrorist groups aligned with Pakistan’s arch rival, India. There is no middle ground anymore.
Pakistan has made it clear that it will defend its people and sovereignty using all available legal, diplomatic, and strategic options. The situation demands immediate attention and decisive action to address the escalating threats from both cross-border terrorism and regional rivalries.
