KABUL – Amid escalating tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the Afghan Taliban has asserted its right to respond to recent Pakistani airstrikes, even as both sides engage in crucial talks in Doha. This development follows a series of cross-border clashes and accusations that have severely strained relations between the two neighboring countries.
The Taliban's stance comes after Pakistan reportedly carried out airstrikes in various Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Khost, Jalalabad, and Paktika, on October 9, 2025. Islamabad claimed the strikes targeted hideouts of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for numerous attacks within Pakistan. However, the Taliban maintains that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesman, stated that the recent incidents are "entirely the result of aggression by the Pakistani side".
In response to the strikes, the Taliban launched attacks on Pakistani military posts along the border. The clashes led to a temporary ceasefire, which was extended to facilitate negotiations in Doha. A high-level Afghan delegation, led by Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, has arrived in Doha for talks with Pakistani officials. The Pakistani delegation is led by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif.
The Doha talks aim to address Pakistan's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and to restore peace and stability along the shared border. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of harboring militants, a charge the Taliban denies. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Army chief, urged the Afghan government to "rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan".
Despite the ongoing dialogue, the Taliban has made it clear that it reserves the right to respond to any further Pakistani incursions. This stance reflects the delicate balance the Taliban faces between addressing Pakistan's security concerns and maintaining its own sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The recent escalation marks a significant deterioration in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. While Pakistan initially supported the Taliban, ties have frayed over Islamabad's accusations that Kabul is failing to control militant groups operating from Afghan soil. The situation is further complicated by the ideological kinship between the Afghan Taliban and the TTP, making it difficult for the Taliban to take decisive action against the latter.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the violence and has called on all parties to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported that dozens of civilians have been killed and hundreds wounded in cross-border clashes.
As the Doha talks progress, the international community is closely watching to see if Afghanistan and Pakistan can find a way to de-escalate tensions and address the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict. The stakes are high, as continued instability along the border could have serious implications for regional security.
