Pakistan Presses Afghanistan to Curb Cross-Border Militancy as Tensions Rise
Pakistan has called on Afghanistan to stop what it describes as terrorist activity carried out by armed groups operating from Afghan soil. The demand marks a new low in relations between the two neighbours, whose shared border has long been a source of friction.
Pakistani officials say they want Kabul to take concrete action against militants rather than offer explanations. They argue that without such action, regional stability will remain at risk.
What Pakistan Is Asking For
Islamabad is urging the Afghan Taliban government to end what it calls “diversionary” tactics. In plain terms, Pakistan believes Kabul is avoiding the real issue. Pakistani officials want Afghanistan to act directly against militant groups that, in their view, use Afghan territory to plan and launch attacks across the border.
Pakistan has repeatedly named the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, often called the TTP, as a central concern. The TTP is a separate militant movement that has fought the Pakistani state for years. Pakistan says TTP fighters have found shelter in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Kabul denies this.
Afghanistan Pushes Back
The Afghan Taliban rejects Pakistan’s claims. In its response, Kabul said Pakistan is shifting blame for its own security problems onto Afghanistan. Afghan officials have long insisted that they do not allow Afghan soil to be used against other countries.
This back-and-forth is not new. For decades, the two countries have traded accusations over border security. The 2,600-kilometre frontier, known as the Durand Line, was drawn in the 19th century and has never been formally accepted by Afghan governments. That unresolved dispute makes cooperation on security even harder.
Why It Matters for the Region
Rising tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan carries risks beyond their borders. Both countries face deep economic problems. Afghanistan is struggling with frozen foreign reserves and limited international recognition. Pakistan is dealing with slow growth and pressure from international lenders.
A serious security breakdown could make things worse. Trade through key border crossings has been disrupted in the past during similar disputes. When crossings close, food prices rise and ordinary families on both sides feel the pain. Traders lose income, and goods like fresh fruit spoil at the border.
There is also a wider diplomatic angle. Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the years. It has recently pushed for many of them to return. Aid agencies have warned that forced returns could deepen Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. Each new accusation between the governments makes it harder to manage these issues calmly.
What Could Happen Next
For investors and observers watching the region, the key question is whether the two sides can find a working channel for talks. Past efforts have included visits by senior officials and mediation by religious scholars. So far, none has produced a lasting deal on border security.
Pakistan’s latest demand puts pressure on the Taliban to show results. Kabul, for its part, appears unwilling to accept blame. Without a breakthrough, the pattern of accusations and counter-accusations is likely to continue.
For now, the message from Islamabad is simple: stop the cross-border attacks, or face deeper mistrust. The message from Kabul is equally firm: the problem lies inside Pakistan. Until one side shifts position, the border will remain one of the region’s most sensitive fault lines.
