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| Is Pakistan Trying to Set New Red Lines With the Afghan Taliban? |
Pakistan and Afghanistan are again facing tense days on their border. After recent deadly clashes, many experts believe Pakistan is now trying to draw new red lines for the Afghan Taliban. These red lines are basically limits Pakistan does not want the Taliban to cross again.
Border Clashes and Ceasefire
On 15 October 2025, Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire after several days of border fighting. The fighting took place near Chaman and Spin Boldak, busy crossing points between the two countries.
Reports say that both sides suffered heavy losses. Pakistani officials claim that more than 200 Taliban fighters were killed in their strikes. On the other hand, the Taliban say they killed 58 Pakistani soldiers. Both sides blame each other for starting the fight.
The Pakistani army said its actions were a response to cross-border attacks coming from Afghan soil. The Taliban government in Kabul accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing civilians.
What Are Pakistan’s Red Lines?
Pakistan appears to be setting clearer red lines. Officials in Islamabad say they will no longer stay silent if attacks inside Pakistan come from Afghan territory.
One of the main issues is the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan says the TTP operates from Afghanistan and often attacks its security forces. Islamabad believes the Taliban government is not taking enough action against them.
Now, Pakistan’s new message seems direct: if the Taliban cannot stop the TTP, then Pakistan will act on its own, even if that means attacking targets inside Afghanistan.
Why the Situation Has Changed
For many years, Pakistan and the Taliban shared a close connection. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Pakistan supported the Taliban when they were fighting in Afghanistan. But after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the relationship became difficult.
Instead of peace, Pakistan saw an increase in militant attacks. According to local research centers, more than 2,400 Pakistani security personnel have been killed this year alone. Many of those attacks are believed to have been carried out by the TTP.
Islamabad feels betrayed. It had expected the Taliban to control such groups once they took power. But that never happened. Now, Pakistan’s government and army are showing less patience.
Taliban’s Reaction
The Taliban reject Pakistan’s accusations. They say they do not allow any group to attack another country from Afghan soil. Taliban officials claim that Pakistan is using the TTP issue as an excuse to pressure Kabul.
They also warn Pakistan against violating Afghan territory. A Taliban spokesperson said that if Pakistan continues airstrikes, they will respond with full force.
The Taliban have also blamed Pakistan for closing border crossings, which hurts trade and local communities on both sides.
Regional and Global Concerns
The growing tension has worried other countries. China, a close partner of both Pakistan and Afghanistan, has called for calm. The United Nations also expressed concern about civilian casualties near the border.
Analysts fear that if the situation continues, it could destabilize the region further. Afghanistan’s economy is already struggling, and Pakistan is facing security and political challenges at home.
There is also a risk that militant groups could take advantage of the chaos. Some experts believe Pakistan might even start cross-border operations if talks fail.
