Mansoor Nizamani
The border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are no longer merely a matter of disagreement between the two governments; they have evolved into a continuing security crisis, affecting peace, the economy, and the lives of ordinary people in both countries. In particular, the border areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are being severely affected by terrorist attacks, infiltration, cross-border firing, and retaliatory actions. Pakistan’s concerns regarding the activities of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), its alleged presence across the border, and the use of drone technology are making the situation even more complex. In the context of recent developments, including the attack on the Kohat Police Lines and tensions in the border areas, the biggest question now is how this cycle of terrorism can be stopped and how lasting peace can be provided to the people living in the border regions.
The statistics of the past few years are also important for understanding the severity of the issue. After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan witnessed a significant change in the terrorism situation. According to available statistics, terrorism increased by approximately 38 percent in 2021, 15 percent in 2022, 56 percent in 2023, around 67 percent in 2024, and 34 percent in 2025. According to the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), 699 terrorist attacks took place across the country in 2025, resulting in at least 1,034 deaths and 1,366 injuries, including security personnel, civilians, and terrorists. On the other hand, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported 3,413 deaths in 1,066 attacks during the same year. According to its figures, 2,115 terrorists or militants were killed, while between 664 and 677 security personnel were killed and 580 civilians also lost their lives. Despite the differences in figures reported by the two organizations, it is clear that terrorism has become a major security challenge for Pakistan.
There was also no significant improvement in the situation during the early months of 2026. According to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), 813 deaths and 518 injuries related to terrorism and violence were recorded during the first quarter of the year, while the second quarter recorded 774 deaths and 336 injuries. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounted for the largest share of these figures, with approximately 93 to 96 percent of the total deaths recorded in the two provinces. Alongside the TTP, the activities of other militant groups are also complicating the situation. The use of modern methods such as drone technology indicates that terrorist groups are changing their strategies, increasing the challenges faced by Pakistani security institutions. Therefore, the issue is no longer limited to border surveillance; internal security, intelligence, and dealing with modern technology have also become important components of the challenge.
Islamabad has maintained that the leadership, safe havens, and training centers of the TTP and affiliated groups are located on Afghan soil, and that the Kabul administration has repeatedly been asked to take action against them. However, if attacks inside Pakistan continue despite these diplomatic efforts and demands, the state has to take measures to defend itself and protect its citizens. In September 2026, media reports claimed that more than 100 terrorists were killed during various security operations carried out by Pakistan. Islamabad describes these operations as actions against terrorist hideouts and training centers. However, the official figures related to such operations in border areas cannot always be independently verified immediately.
On the other hand, the Afghan Taliban government has continued to reject Pakistan’s allegations. Kabul maintains that the TTP is a Pakistani group and that the issue concerning it is an internal security matter for Pakistan. The Afghan government has also objected to Pakistan’s cross-border operations and airstrikes, while the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed concern over harm to civilians. During 2025 and 2026, incidents involving Afghan civilians being affected by border conflicts were also reported. In this situation, Pakistan considers such operations necessary in the name of its security and defense, while Afghanistan views these actions as a threat to its sovereignty and civilians. As a result, the cycle of cross-border firing, drone attacks, retaliatory actions, and protests is further increasing the lack of trust between the two countries.
The greatest impact of this crisis is felt by ordinary people living in the border areas. When restrictions are imposed at border crossings or trade is disrupted because of tensions, the livelihoods of laborers, traders, transporters, and small businesses are directly affected. The incomes of many families are linked to cross-border trade and movement. Continued such operations put pressure on local markets, employment, and economic activity and create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the police and security forces are also required to deal with terrorist attacks, monitor the border, and maintain local law and order. Therefore, this crisis is not merely a military or diplomatic issue; its humanitarian and economic consequences are also significant.
It is clear that a lasting solution to this crisis cannot be achieved through military force alone. Along with counterterrorism operations, diplomacy, intelligence cooperation, political dialogue, and effective border management must be made part of a comprehensive strategy. Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are connected through historical, cultural, tribal, and economic ties, and millions of people on both sides of the border have family, employment, and trade links with one another. Therefore, prolonged tensions between the two countries will cause the greatest harm to ordinary people. The diplomatic efforts of China and other regional countries can also be utilized to advance the process of dialogue. Instead of responding to every new attack solely through retaliation, attention must also be focused on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to such attacks. Pakistan must adopt an effective strategy to protect its people and borders, while Afghanistan must take practical measures regarding any terrorist activity against Pakistan originating from its territory. It is important to remember that security and diplomacy are not alternatives to one another; rather, they are two important components of resolving this complex crisis. The hope is that peace will be established between the two countries in the near future so that ordinary people can live their lives in peace and security.
