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Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of heightened tensions with Afghanistan, stating that conflict could erupt between Islamabad and Kabul at any moment.
He clarified that while no clashes are currently underway, relations between the two neighboring nations have deteriorated significantly. Asif further emphasized,
The possibility of conflict cannot be ruled out. If Afghanistan threatens us, we have the right to retaliate immediately.
The tensions escalated after Pakistan reportedly conducted airstrikes on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) bases in Kabul on October 9. The Taliban claimed Pakistan was responsible for the attacks.
In retaliation, Afghanistan launched attacks on 25 Pakistani military posts late on October 11.
On Monday, forces from both countries remained on high alert along the border. Trade and cross-border movement were completely halted.
Hundreds of Afghan citizens are stranded in Pakistan due to the border closure, unable to return home.
Afghanistan Claims Killing 58 Pakistani Soldiers
Afghanistan reported that its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers during clashes on the border late Saturday (October 11).
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghan security forces took control of 25 Pakistani military posts.
In response, Pakistan’s military acknowledged only 25 casualties while claiming to have eliminated 200 Taliban militants.
Footage of Afghan forces attacking Pakistani military posts. Credit: Tolo News
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP): Pakistan’s Rebel Group
- After the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, several militants took refuge in Pakistan’s tribal areas.
- In 2007, Baitullah Mehsud merged 13 rebel factions to form Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
- The group includes many anti-Pakistani army factions.
- Their primary conflict is against the Pakistani military and government.
- Several TTP sympathizers are believed to be embedded within Pakistan’s armed forces.
- The U.S. has warned Pakistan that TTP may gain access to nuclear weapons.
Why Are Pakistan and TTP at War?
- TTP turned against Pakistan after it supported the U.S. in Afghanistan post-2001, viewing it as anti-Islamic.
- TTP believes Pakistan’s government does not follow true Islamic principles.
- The group has deep ties with the Afghan Taliban, with both supporting each other.
- Since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover in Afghanistan, Pakistan has targeted TTP with cross-border strikes.
- TTP exploits Pashtun grievances like poverty, unemployment, and government neglect.
History of Tensions Between the Two Nations
Afghanistan and Pakistan have long disputed the Durand Line border. Both nations accuse each other of harboring militants. Tensions worsened after the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021.
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