The recent clashes at the Torkham border have escalated tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, marking a troubling turn in the relations between the two countries. What might have been an isolated incident is increasingly being viewed as part of a deliberate and calculated strategy by the Afghan Interim Government. While Pakistan has consistently sought peaceful resolution through diplomacy and dialogue, the Afghan government’s actions appear to be escalating the conflict, deepening the divide at a border that should ideally be a bridge between two nations.
The closure of the Torkham border on February 21, 2025, in response to the clashes, has laid bare the vulnerabilities of the Afghan economy, already reeling from the political and economic upheaval of the past few years. This border closure, which has brought significant economic strain, underscores a fundamental miscalculation by the Afghan Interim Government: that stability cannot be achieved through aggression and confrontation. The true costs of this aggression, however, are not limited to economic disruption; it has also triggered a diplomatic fallout that threatens to further isolate Afghanistan in the international arena.
Also See: Three Weeks of Torkham Closure: A Border Sealed, Lives Stalled, and Hopes Tested
The Afghan Interim Government: A Sanctuary for Terrorist Groups?
The Afghan Interim Government has frequently espoused a commitment to regional peace, yet its actions suggest otherwise. Despite public declarations of sovereignty and independence, the reality is that the Taliban government has allowed the presence and growth of terrorist groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). These groups, which had already caused instability within Afghanistan, have extended their reach beyond its borders, destabilizing neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Iran, and even Russia.
The Torkham clashes, while framed by the Afghan Interim Government as a simple border dispute, are widely understood to be part of a broader effort to protect the sanctuaries of these terrorist groups. The Afghan government’s apparent reluctance to act against the TTP and ISKP suggests that these groups are not merely tolerated but actively supported. This not only diverts attention away from Afghanistan’s internal governance crises but also serves as a convenient scapegoat for an administration that is struggling to maintain control over the country. The strategic use of border tensions as a diversion only exacerbates the suffering of Afghan citizens and deepens the mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Real Costs of Border Provocations
The consequences of these provocations are significant and far-reaching, impacting both countries at multiple levels. On the humanitarian front, it is the civilians on both sides of the border who bear the brunt of the violence. Security forces are drawn into constant engagements, and the innocent are caught in the crossfire, while the Afghan Interim Government continues to present itself as a victim of Pakistani aggression.
The economic damage is also substantial. The closure of the Torkham border, which serves as a crucial trade and transit route between the two countries, has led to disruptions in supply chains, impacting Afghan traders and Pakistan’s regional trade. The disruption in the movement of goods has only exacerbated the already fragile Afghan economy, already grappling with an acute humanitarian crisis. These border provocations are not just damaging to Afghanistan’s relationship with Pakistan—they are damaging to Afghanistan’s own future prospects for economic recovery and international reintegration.
Diplomatically, Afghanistan’s credibility is at risk. Each provocative action by the Afghan government serves only to undermine its legitimacy, not just in the eyes of Pakistan, but also in the broader international community. As Pakistan continues to push for diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation, the Afghan Interim Government’s unwillingness to engage constructively only further isolates Kabul. As tensions rise, Pakistan is further justified in its call for stronger counterterrorism measures, which only drives a deeper wedge between the two nations.
The Global Threat of Terrorism: A Regional and International Issue
The failure of the Afghan Interim Government to address the growing threat posed by the TTP and ISKP extends beyond bilateral issues with Pakistan. These groups are not confined to Afghan soil but have demonstrated the capacity to reach into neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Iran, and even Russia. The rise of ISKP, in particular, is a cause for concern for regional and global powers, as the group’s reach expands, threatening stability in the region.
In 2021 alone, ISKP claimed responsibility for 343 attacks, leading to over 2,000 deaths across Afghanistan and Pakistan. The group’s activity has not slowed in subsequent years, with 196 attacks in 2022, 48 in 2023, and 37 attacks in 2024. These attacks have targeted civilians, government officials, and military personnel, destabilizing the region further. The presence of safe havens in areas like Kunar, Nuristan, and Badakhshan provides these terror groups with the resources and protection they need to plan and execute attacks not just within Afghanistan but beyond its borders.
This inaction by the Afghan government is not just a problem for Pakistan—it is a global security issue. Regional powers such as Russia, China, and Iran, who have vested interests in regional stability, are watching closely. Afghanistan’s failure to rein in these terrorist groups puts the entire region at risk, and the international community is unlikely to overlook this threat for much longer.
Pakistan’s Firm Response: Diplomatic Engagement and Regional Security
While Pakistan has consistently sought dialogue, engagement, and regional cooperation, the response from Kabul has been one of aggression and provocation. Pakistan’s efforts to neutralize high-profile TTP and ISKP operatives have been met with resistance from the Afghan Interim Government, which, instead of cooperating, continues to shelter these groups, providing them with protection and legitimacy.
Pakistan’s position is clear: if the Afghan government wants international recognition and legitimacy, it must first take responsibility for the terrorism emanating from its soil. The Afghan Interim Government must understand that peace and cooperation will not be achieved through violence and border provocations. Regional stability hinges on Afghanistan’s willingness to tackle the root causes of instability—namely, terrorism—and engage in meaningful diplomatic dialogue with its neighbors, particularly Pakistan.
At a Crossroads: Reform or Isolation
The Afghan Interim Government finds itself at a critical juncture. It has the choice to continue its confrontational approach, sheltering terrorist groups and engaging in border provocations, or it can choose to reform, act responsibly, and work towards eliminating terror sanctuaries within its borders. The latter approach would not only promote regional peace and stability but also pave the way for Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community.
However, time is running out. The region cannot afford indefinite instability. Pakistan, along with other regional stakeholders, cannot remain passive as Afghanistan continues to jeopardize both security and economic stability. If the Afghan government does not take meaningful steps to address these issues, it risks further isolation from the international community and a permanent deterioration of its relations with its neighbors, especially Pakistan.
A Call for Responsibility: Upholding Peace, Honor, and Justice
As the Quran teaches: “And do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors” (Quran 2:190). The Afghan Interim Government must reflect on the values of justice, peace, and the protection of innocent lives. Their actions, which foster conflict and shelter terrorism, are a direct violation of these principles.
Similarly, the Pashtunwali code, which has long guided the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizes values such as melmastia (hospitality), nang (honor), and badal (justice). The Taliban’s actions in harboring terrorist groups and provoking conflict are a betrayal of these values. If the Afghan Interim Government is to regain the trust of its people and the international community, it must return to these fundamental principles and work towards peace and justice, not war and destruction.
Ultimately, peace will not be achieved through border provocations and the protection of terrorists, but through responsible governance, regional cooperation, and a commitment to justice. Only by addressing these critical issues can the Afghan Interim Government hope to earn the respect, recognition, and support it desperately seeks from its neighbors, especially Pakistan, and the broader international community.
