Context
Escalating airstrikes and cross-border clashes reflect a serious deterioration in relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.
Chronology- From Strategic Alignment to Conflict
- 1990s–2001: Strategic Alignment
• Pakistan supported the Taliban during the Afghan civil war.
• Taliban leadership operated from Quetta in Pakistan.
• The objective was to secure “strategic depth” against India. - 2001–2021: Insurgency Phase
• Taliban fought the U.S.-backed Afghan government.
• Pakistan was accused of providing sanctuary, though it denied formal involvement. - August 2021: Taliban Return to Power
• Taliban captured Kabul and restored the Islamic Emirate.
• Pakistan expected a cooperative regime. - Rise of TTP
• Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan intensified attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
• Pakistan accused Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP.
• A ceasefire brokered earlier collapsed in 2022. - Durand Line Dispute
• 2,640 km border drawn in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan.
• Afghan governments have historically rejected it.
• Frequent clashes occur in sectors such as Chaman, Torkham and Spin Boldak. - 2024–26 Escalation
• Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.
• Afghan forces retaliated at border posts.
• Civilian casualties reported, raising fears of near open conflict.
