When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, many observers expected the new regime to pursue friendly relations with Pakistan. Over the past five years, however, the neighbors have increasingly clashed over a range of issues including refugee repatriation, border fencing, and cross-border terrorism. The rising death toll from terror attacks, especially those attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group operating from Afghanistan with the support of the Afghan Taliban, led to the deterioration of ties by late 2025. In October 2025, Pakistan carried out air strikes against alleged TTP targets in Afghanistan, precipitating border skirmishes before the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement.
A fresh wave of deadly attacks in February 2026 raised tensions again and, on February 27, the Pakistani defense minister declared “open war” with Afghanistan. The ensuing conflict has resulted in the death of scores of civilians, the displacement of over 100,000 people, and disruptions in key border areas. On this page, South Asian Voices editors have collected recent pieces discussing the conflict and the broader relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Image: Ryan Matson via Wikimedia Commons
