Pakistan–Afghanistan Tensions Escalate After Cross-Border Strikes
This article is written by Mian Haroon Masood, a political leader based in Gujrat, Pakistan.
For decades, Pakistan has supported the Afghan cause. Since 1978, particularly following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees who fled war and instability. It played a pivotal humanitarian and strategic role in accommodating refugees, escapees, and political migrants on a massive scale. Despite these efforts, Pakistan has rarely been acknowledged as a stabilising force for Afghanistan and its people.
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Major global players could not have achieved many of their objectives in Afghanistan without Pakistan’s logistical and geographic support. This is widely understood. Geographically, Pakistan remains central to regional security and is positioned to respond to any unforeseen or unprovoked cross-border aggression. However, concerns have grown over what Islamabad views as Kabul’s indifferent and nonchalant approach toward security cooperation.
What has been particularly troubling for Pakistan is the alleged use of Afghan soil by banned outfits and subversive elements to target Pakistani territory. Cross-border infiltration, sporadic attacks, and militant activity have inflicted significant losses. Members of the armed forces, police personnel, and civilians have lost their lives, leaving behind irreversible damage. The human and economic costs have been immense, and the suffering deeply felt.
A Pakistani paramilitary soldier stands guard as Afghans arrested for illegally crossing into Iran through the Pak-Iran border line up to be sent back to Afghanistan at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman, Feb. 24, 2026. (EPA Photo)
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Pakistan has repeatedly attempted diplomatic engagement, peace talks, and security coordination. Senior officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, have held discussions aimed at easing tensions and strengthening cooperation. Yet, according to Pakistani officials, these efforts have yielded limited results.
Recent incidents appear to have pushed tensions to a new level. Reports indicate that cross-border firing took place during iftar on Thursday evening, resulting in casualties on the Pakistani side. In response, Pakistan’s military conducted retaliatory shelling and artillery fire. Security sources claim that aerial operations targeted suspected militant hideouts inside Afghan territory, including areas in Kandahar believed to house individuals involved in orchestrating attacks.
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The escalation has intensified debate over the broader regional dynamic. Pakistan maintains that it has consistently pursued diplomatic engagement with both Afghanistan and the United States. At the same time, it asserts that its security concerns must be taken seriously and addressed through concrete action rather than assurances.
The current situation underscores the fragility of regional stability. Pakistan’s position is that any meaningful improvement depends on stronger action against militant sanctuaries and a commitment to preventing cross-border terrorism. Without structural changes in security cooperation, officials fear that tensions may persist.
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At home, there is also a call for unity. Political divisions across provinces must not overshadow national security priorities. Many argue that internal cohesion is essential at a time of heightened external challenges. History, after all, has shown that strategic miscalculations can have long-lasting consequences.
Pakistan maintains that it welcomed Afghan refugees with generosity and solidarity during times of crisis. However, it now expects reciprocal responsibility in ensuring that its territory and people are not targeted. The message from Islamabad is clear: security concerns will be addressed firmly, while diplomatic channels remain open.
The path forward will require restraint, clarity, and sustained engagement from all sides.
Both nations report significant casualties in what Pakistan’s defense minister called an “open war.” Credit: Fine Day Radio.
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This article is written by Mian Haroon Masood, a political leader based in Gujrat, Pakistan.
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