The recent border conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan reflects continued challenges in maintaining trust and cooperation on security issues.
The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has raised concerns for border security and international diplomacy since October 2025. The conflict began when Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika province, killing at least three people. The Afghan Taliban immediately retaliated, attacking Pakistani military outposts along the Durand Line.
The clash resulted in casualties on both sides, but a ceasefire was achieved through mediation between Qatar and Türkiye. The move reflects growing tensions in Pakistan-Afghan relations due to growing concerns over cross-border security challenges.
Core issues in the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict
Durand line conflict
The Durand Line remains a major obstacle to peace in the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict. This 2,640 km border was drawn between British India and Afghanistan in 1893. Pakistan considers it an international border and has almost completely fenced it off. But Afghanistan has never acknowledged this.
During the Doha talks, Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mohammad said the Durand Line was “imaginary” and would never be called a border. This territorial dispute undermines cooperation in border security and counterterrorism.
The Durand Line divides the Pashtun populations of both countries. This shared ethnic identity complicates the resolution of border disputes. It also complicates Pakistan’s counter-terrorism demands for action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Diplomatic efforts led by Qatar’s foreign minister prevented further escalation. China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye also called for restraint. Qatar warned that continued conflict would have serious implications for regional stability.
The Doha Agreement included the following specific commitments:
Pakistan received assurances that Kabul would not support groups attacking Pakistan. Both countries agreed to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. A technical committee was established to address border security and counter-terrorism cooperation. The Istanbul meeting focused on operationalizing these commitments through verification protocols. However, the definition of “verifiable action” remains controversial.
India’s reaction
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concern about Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups operating in the region and criticized Islamabad, blaming neighboring countries for internal security challenges. These statements underscore India’s long-standing position on Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border fighting and reinforce India’s commitment to respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
India has consistently emphasized that sustainable regional peace requires Pakistan to take meaningful action against militant groups targeting neighboring countries. In parallel, India is stepping up its diplomatic and development engagement with Afghanistan, promoting cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, and humanitarian assistance.
Diplomatic developments between India and Afghanistan
In October 2025, Afghanistan’s foreign minister visited India to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discuss regional stability. After a four-year hiatus, India upgrades its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, boosting its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan
The move marks a change in India’s approach towards the Taliban regime, with India’s foreign minister asserting that close cooperation will contribute to Afghanistan’s national development and regional stability. Additionally, the talks also highlighted expanding trade and investment opportunities, particularly through Iran’s Chabahar port, which provides India and Afghanistan with a trade route bypassing Pakistan.
India has supported education initiatives, provided streamlined visa services to Afghan nationals, and provided targeted humanitarian assistance. Both sides emphasized strengthening humanitarian assistance, supporting education and skills development programs, and promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
conclusion
The Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict exposes the failure of Pakistan’s strategy of using insurgent proxies to achieve strategic objectives. The Durand Line conflict is becoming even more complex. A ceasefire provides an opportunity for diplomacy, but a sustainable peace requires realistic expectations and cooperative security measures rather than military solutions.
For India, this situation heightens its concerns about Pakistan’s approach and highlights the importance of moving forward with strategic initiatives like the Chabahar port project. At the same time, continued instability in the region poses challenges to all neighboring countries.
The international community, led by mediators like Qatar, must maintain pressure for dialogue while recognizing the structural constraints faced by both sides. Only through sustained engagement and a realistic framework can this conflict be effectively managed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict
1. What triggered the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict?
answer. In October 2025, Pakistan airstrikes Kabul and Paktika.
2. What is the Durand Line Dispute?
answer. A border dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the 2,640km border drawn in 1893.
3. Which country brokered the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
answer. Qatar and Türkiye.
