Washington, March 15: Pakistan’s longstanding Afghanistan policy, which aimed for “strategic depth” against India, is now showing signs of backfiring. A recent report indicates that escalating attacks from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a massive influx of Afghan refugees, and increasing international criticism are transforming this policy into open conflict.
According to the ‘One World Outlook’ report, Pakistan had hoped to establish a favorable government in Kabul by supporting the Taliban. However, this gamble appears to have backfired. The Taliban’s claims of sovereignty and its ties with the TTP have further strained relations between the two countries.
The report notes that Pakistan provided refuge to Taliban leaders, expecting to control terrorists and balance India’s influence with a friendly Kabul government. However, following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, attacks by the TTP from bases in Afghanistan began to rise sharply.
By 2025, TTP attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in numerous casualties, with 37 incidents reported across nine districts in early 2026. The report states that the Taliban has not taken stringent action against these attacks, prompting Pakistan to implement measures like closing its borders, which adversely affected Afghan trade.
Additionally, the report mentions that on February 22, Pakistan conducted airstrikes on seven TTP and ISKP sites in Nangarhar and Paktika, claiming to have killed 80 militants. However, the strikes resulted in the deaths of 18 civilians, including children, igniting significant anger in Afghanistan.
In retaliation, Afghanistan launched drone strikes and border skirmishes on February 26. Kabul reported that these actions resulted in the deaths of 55 Pakistani soldiers and the capture of several checkpoints.
Following these developments, Pakistan initiated “Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq,” conducting 46 airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, claiming control over approximately 32 square kilometers in the Ghudwana area.
The report also cites Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif labeling the situation as “open war,” with clashes continuing into March, accompanied by reports of drone downings and the deaths of around 150 Taliban fighters.
Furthermore, the report highlights that Pakistan’s campaign to expel Afghan refugees, which began in 2023, is exacerbating the crisis. Over 1.5 million Afghan refugees have been expelled from the country so far.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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