Skirmishes and Accusations
After Pakistan’s airstrikes, the Taliban government retaliated by firing at Pakistani troops along the border. The exchange of heated rhetoric between the two nations has escalated, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of sheltering terrorists, a claim denied by the Taliban.The recent airstrikes come in the wake of a security post attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, which resulted in the deaths of seven Pakistani soldiers. Following the attack, Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, vowed retaliation. The strikes targeted terrorists from the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, which, along with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials.
However, the airstrikes have resulted in civilian casualties, with reports indicating that five women and three children were killed. According to the Taliban, three women and three children were killed in Paktika, near Pakistan’s South Waziristan District, while two women were killed in Khost, near North Waziristan.
Reasons Behind the Tensions
The deteriorating ties between Pakistan and the Taliban can be traced back to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Pakistan, which had hoped for an ally in its neighborhood, now realizes that the Taliban’s resurgence has emboldened the TTP and provided it with a safe haven. This is ironic, as Pakistan’s policies promoting hardline Sunni Islam in north and west Pakistan, as well as in Afghanistan, helped create the Taliban in the 1980s.While Pakistan’s security forces have had some successes against the TTP, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has seemingly strengthened the TTP, showing more loyalty to the militant faction than to the Pakistan state. Another point of contention has been Islamabad’s decision to deport thousands of Afghan immigrants, citing their involvement in street crimes and militant attacks.Pakistan’s Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned against cross-border terrorism, stating that Pakistan will not tolerate any such acts. He emphasized that Pakistan seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors but cannot tolerate terrorism emanating from across the border.
Addressing the first meeting of the apex committee since the new government came to power, Shehbaz said: “We will not tolerate any kind of terrorism from across the border. Under no circumstances.”
“We cannot tolerate this terrorism anymore. Pakistan’s borders are a red line against terrorism,” he added.
“We want to exist in a very peaceful environment with our neighbouring brothers — do trade, commerce and expand our relations — but unfortunately, if a neighbour’s land is used for terrorism, this is intolerable” said Shehbaz.
Surge in Terror Incidents
Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, following the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) decision to end its ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.
According to the South Asian Terrorism Portal, Pakistan witnessed 527 terror incidents in 2023, the highest since 2015. These incidents resulted in the deaths of nearly 400 civilians and over 500 security personnel, highlighting the grave impact of terrorism on the country.
KP and Balochistan have been the primary centers of violence, accounting for over 90% of all fatalities and 84% of attacks in Pakistan. These regions have witnessed a surge in terrorism-related activities, including attacks on security forces and civilian targets.
The recent airstrikes inside Afghanistan signal a dangerous escalation in tensions between Pakistan and its neighbor. The situation remains fluid, with both countries exchanging heated rhetoric and accusations. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
