Border on Edge: Unraveling the Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict and Pathways to Peace
By Zeeshan Javaid
The writer is a US-based Pakistani journalist. He writes on issues related to foreign affairs, cross-border conflicts, terrorism, and extremism. He can be reached at zeeshan.javaid9@gmail.com
Rochester NY: The Afghanistan-Pakistan border conflict has escalated in recent months, drawing significant regional and international attention. Pakistan attributes the resurgence of militant activities within its borders to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a faction that has found refuge in Afghanistan since the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021.
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan, now in power, is perceived as providing ideological and logistical support to the TTP, complicating the security dynamics of the region.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border, known as the Durand Line, has been a contentious issue since its demarcation in 1893. Afghanistan has historically rejected the legitimacy of the line, which divides Pashtoon-majority areas. The conflict has intensified in the past decades due to insurgencies, cross-border attacks, and the harboring of militant groups on both sides.
Pakistan Air Force action in Afghanistan, 50 Kharjis killed
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s return to power created a power vacuum that emboldened militant groups like the TTP. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP fighters and allowing them to regroup and launch cross-border attacks, leading to rising instability in Pakistan’s tribal regions and urban centers.
The TTP has been a significant destabilizing force in Pakistan, responsible for numerous attacks on civilians, security personnel, and infrastructure. After the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the TTP declared an allegiance to the Afghan Taliban, viewing their success as a morale booster for their agenda in Pakistan.
The group has exploited the porous border and used Afghanistan as a safe haven, making it difficult for Pakistan to combat its influence effectively. Despite repeated assurances from the Taliban regime that Afghan soil would not be used for attacks against Pakistan, evidence suggests that the TTP continues to operate with impunity from within Afghanistan.
The border skirmishes and militant activities have strained diplomatic ties between the two neighbors. Pakistan has conducted cross-border airstrikes and sought to tighten border security through fencing and surveillance. Meanwhile, the Taliban regime has shown resistance to such measures, claiming that they violate Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
This situation is exacerbated by the lack of international oversight and the limited capacity of the Afghan government to control militant groups within its territory. Pakistan’s internal political instability and economic struggles further complicate its ability to address this multifaceted challenge.
Proposed Solutions to De-escalate Tensions
Pakistan and Afghanistan must prioritize direct and consistent dialogue. Establishing a bilateral framework to address security concerns, including intelligence sharing and cross-border counterterrorism efforts, is essential. Third-party mediators, such as the United Nations or regional powers like China or Turkey, could help facilitate trust-building measures.
Economic interdependence can reduce hostility and foster collaboration. Joint projects in infrastructure, trade, and energy, such as reviving the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline, could create shared interests and reduce reliance on militant networks.
While fencing the Durand Line has faced resistance from Afghanistan, improved border management is crucial. Joint border monitoring mechanisms, with the involvement of neutral observers, could help reduce cross-border incursions and militant infiltration.
Both nations must work to address the socio-economic grievances that fuel militancy. Investments in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in marginalized border regions can weaken the influence of extremist groups.
The international community, particularly neighboring countries like Iran, China, and Russia, must play an active role in stabilizing the region. Pressure should be exerted on the Taliban regime to fulfill its commitments to counterterrorism. Additionally, continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan can prevent further destabilization.
Pakistan, with Afghanistan’s cooperation, could explore reintegration programs for TTP militants willing to abandon violence. Such programs could include vocational training, financial incentives, and ideological rehabilitation.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border conflict reflects the broader challenges of governance, security, and regional cooperation in South Asia. The rise of the TTP and the Taliban’s alleged complicity underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat extremism and foster stability.
Diplomatic engagement, economic collaboration, and addressing the socio-political roots of the conflict are critical to de-escalating tensions. A stable Afghanistan and Pakistan are vital for regional peace and prosperity, making it imperative for both nations to work towards a sustainable resolution of their differences.
