The issue of cross-border terrorism between Afghanistan and Pakistan has long been a subject of geopolitical concern, with historical, political, and socio-economic dimensions. For decades, the porous border between the two countries has served as a breeding ground for extremist groups, exacerbating regional instability and straining diplomatic relations. While both nations have suffered the consequences of terrorism, the issue remains deeply rooted in historical grievances, conflicting national interests and external influences.
The roots of cross-border terrorism between Afghanistan and Pakistan can be traced back to the Soviet-Afghan War 1979–1989, when the United States, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan supported the Afghan Mujahideen against the Soviet-backed government in Kabul. Pakistan played a pivotal role in training and arming Mujahideen fighters, many of whom later evolved into militant groups, including the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Following the Soviet withdrawal, Afghanistan descended into civil war, leading to the emergence of the Taliban in the mid-1990s, a group that Pakistan allegedly supported to maintain strategic depth against India.
The 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001 brought Afghanistan to the forefront of the global war on terror. The U.S.-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime, forcing its leaders and fighters to seek refuge in Pakistan’s tribal areas. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan became a sanctuary for Taliban militants, Al-Qaeda operatives and other extremist factions, allowing them to regroup and launch attacks against U.S. and Afghan forces across the border.
A significant factor contributing to cross-border terrorism is the long-standing Durand Line dispute. The Durand Line, drawn by the British in 1893, serves as the de facto border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but Afghanistan has never formally recognized it. This dispute has led to a lack of effective border control and provided an avenue for militant groups to operate with relative ease. The Taliban, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, and other militant factions have exploited this situation, moving between the two countries to carry out attacks and evade security forces.
Afghanistan has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harboring Taliban militants and providing them with logistical support, while Pakistan alleges that Afghan territory is used as a base for anti-Pakistan terrorist activities, particularly by the TTP. The mutual distrust between the two nations has hindered counter terrorism cooperation, allowing extremist groups to thrive.
The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, marked a significant shift in regional dynamics. The group had long received backing from elements within Pakistan, particularly its intelligence agency, the ISI. However, Pakistan’s expectations of a Taliban-led government curbing anti-Pakistan militant activities were soon dashed. Instead, the resurgence of the TTP, which has ideological ties with the Afghan Taliban but operates against the Pakistani state, posed a serious security challenge for Islamabad.
Since the Taliban's takeover, Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in cross-border attacks, particularly from TTP militants who have found safe havens in Afghanistan. Despite multiple attempts by Pakistan to negotiate with the Taliban for action against the TTP, Kabul’s response has remained lukewarm. The Taliban’s reluctance to take decisive action against the TTP stems from ideological solidarity and the fear of internal divisions within their ranks.
Pakistan has undertaken several military operations to curb terrorism, including Operation Zarb-e-Azb 2014 and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad 2017, targeting militant hideouts in its tribal regions. While these operations weakened extremist networks, they also led to the displacement of militants into Afghanistan, further complicating the security situation.
In recent years, Pakistan has attempted to secure its border by constructing a barbed-wire fence along the 2,640-kilometer-long Durand Line. However, this measure has met resistance from both Afghan authorities and local tribes who traditionally moved freely across the border. The fencing has also led to skirmishes between Afghan and Pakistani border forces, further straining bilateral ties.
Pakistan has also sought diplomatic engagement with the Afghan Taliban, urging them to act against anti-Pakistan militant groups. However, the Taliban government’s internal struggles, economic challenges, and focus on consolidating power have made it reluctant to launch large-scale crackdowns against groups like the TTP. Moreover, the Taliban’s need for legitimacy on the international stage has made it wary of antagonizing hardline factions within its ranks.
The Afghan-Pakistani terrorism dynamic is further complicated by the involvement of external powers, each pursuing its strategic interests. The United States, despite withdrawing from Afghanistan, remains engaged in counter terrorism operations through drone strikes and intelligence sharing. Washington has pressured Pakistan to act against extremist groups operating on its soil while also urging the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist haven.
India, a key player in the region, has been accused by Pakistan of supporting insurgent groups, particularly in Balochistan, as a countermeasure to Islamabad’s alleged support for Kashmiri militants. On the other hand, India has raised concerns about the Taliban’s links with Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have carried out attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir.
China, with its investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, has a vested interest in regional stability. Beijing has maintained ties with the Taliban to ensure the security of its Belt and Road Initiative projects and to prevent the spread of militancy into its Xinjiang province. However, China’s influence over Afghan-Pakistani relations remains limited.
Cross-border terrorism has inflicted immense suffering on civilian populations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thousands of innocent people have lost their lives in terrorist attacks, while millions have been displaced due to military operations and violence. The instability has severely impacted economic growth, deterred foreign investment and hindered development in both nations.
The Afghan refugee crisis has also contributed to tensions. Pakistan hosts over a million Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived in the country for decades. Islamabad has occasionally used the refugee issue as leverage in diplomatic dealings with Kabul. However, the presence of refugees has also raised security concerns, with Pakistani authorities alleging that militant elements hide among them.
Addressing Afghan-Pak cross-border terrorism requires a multi-pronged approach involving diplomatic engagement, intelligence cooperation, and economic development. Both nations must recognize that regional stability is mutually beneficial and that supporting militant proxies will only prolong insecurity.
Improving border management through joint security mechanisms, rather than unilateral actions such as fencing, could help curb militant movement. Pakistan and Afghanistan should also enhance intelligence sharing and launch coordinated counter terrorism operations against common threats like the TTP and ISIS-K.
On the diplomatic front, regional forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation can facilitate dialogue between the two countries. Engaging influential regional players, including China, Iran, and Russia, could also help mediate disputes and encourage cooperation.
Economic integration and trade agreements could serve as confidence-building measures, fostering mutual interdependence. Cross-border trade and infrastructure projects could provide employment opportunities, reducing the appeal of militancy among disenfranchised youth.
Ultimately, resolving Afghan-Pak cross-border terrorism requires sustained efforts, political will, and international cooperation. Without genuine commitment from both Kabul and Islamabad, extremist groups will continue to exploit the divide, perpetuating violence and instability in the region.
Comments