Pakistan recently launched airstrikes in Afghanistan, aiming at hideouts linked to armed groups responsible for a series of attacks, including a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad. Afghan sources reported that drone strikes targeted a religious school in Paktika province and other areas in Nangarhar province.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, these operations focused on seven camps used by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and related factions. The ministry claimed it had strong evidence tying recent attacks in Islamabad and other regions to fighters operating under Afghanistan-based leadership. It has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to take action against these groups but claims little has been done.
These airstrikes came just hours after a suicide bombing targeted a military convoy in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. Violence has surged in Pakistan in recent years, largely attributable to the TTP and Baloch separatist groups. A significant wave of attacks has raised concerns over the country’s stability.
Historically, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have often stemmed from issues related to armed groups crossing their shared border. A ceasefire brokered by Qatar last year provided a brief respite, but no long-lasting agreements have been reached.
A recent survey indicated that public concern in Pakistan over security is at an all-time high, with 72% of respondents feeling unsafe due to rising violence. Social media is buzzing with discussions about the need for stronger actions against these groups, especially given the tragic events in recent months.
Experts in security have pointed out that regions like the border areas are complex, and resolving these issues might require international cooperation. For instance, Dr. Amina Khan, a political analyst, emphasized that “military action alone may not provide a lasting solution; political dialogue and community engagement are equally important.”
Efforts to stabilize this uneasy relationship also hinge on compliance with international agreements, such as the one signed with the U.S. in 2020. This agreement called for preventing Afghan territory from being used for attacks against neighboring countries, highlighting the importance of global and regional cooperation for sustained peace.
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