Taliban Pitched Against Pakistan, Humiliating Defeat Underway

The article is written by Imran Aslam Khan, an Aviation Professional and Businessman.

Recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated significantly in October 2025, with reports of cross-border attacks, airstrikes, and heavy casualties on both sides. For instance, Afghan officials claimed to have killed around 58 Pakistani soldiers and captured border posts, while Pakistan reported eliminating over 200 Taliban-affiliated militants and destroying camps, artillery positions and various cavalry arsenal including tanks.

These incidents follow a pattern of intermittent violence, including Pakistani drone strikes in Kabul targeting Afghan Taliban harboured Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist leaders responsible for the killings in Pakistan, which Afghanistan views as violations of its sovereignty. The clashes have led to evacuations near the border, suspension of ties by Pakistan, and fears of a broader war.

PM vows complete eradication of polio from country

UN chief voices concern over Pak-Afghan clashes

At UN, Pakistan slams India for flouting Kashmir plebiscite obligation

For more such Opinions & Blogs, click here.

The primary reasons for these Afghan-led attacks or retaliations include:

Disputes over the Durand Line: Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, does not recognize this colonial-era border as legitimate and sees Pakistani actions (like fencing and strikes) as encroachments. This has been a core issue since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, when Afghanistan was the only country to vote against its UN membership.

Allegations of harboring militants: Pakistan accuses the Taliban of sheltering the TTP (also known as the Pakistani Taliban), a group responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Recent escalations stem from Pakistani operations against TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, prompting Afghan counterstrikes.

From the Afghan perspective, these are defensive responses to Pakistani aggression.

Gilani meets Secretary General of Muslim World League

PM leaves for home after concluding visit to Egypt

Punjab CM directs to ensure reduction in prices of vegetables

Historical grievances and proxy conflicts: Afghanistan has long supported Pashtun and Baloch separatists in Pakistan, while Pakistan backed Afghan mujahideen (including Taliban precursors) against the Soviets and later the Taliban against U.S.-backed governments. This mutual interference has bred ongoing hostility. Some Afghan views frame it as resistance to Pakistani “strategic depth” policies.

Regional influences: Perception is that Afghanistan’s warming ties with India (e.g., Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s recent visit) are seen by Pakistan as provocative, potentially fueling the cycle but major escalation came after the Taliban’s Martyred a Colonel and a Major along with more than a dozen soldiers in KP province on October 08, 2025, by attacking a convoy.

Regarding Pakistan’s role in hosting refugees: Yes, Pakistan sheltered millions of Afghans during the Soviet Afghan War (1979–1989) and the U.S.-led war (2001–2021), providing aid, camps, and support at significant cost. However, recent deportations of over 600,000 Afghans have heightened tensions as they want to remain a burden on Pakistan’s economy and Pakistan is done with them as several Taliban remain disguised as refugees and attack and kill innocent people in an effort to bring Taliban rule in Pakistan. This is a covert policy of the Afghan Taliban which is not acceptable in Pakistan. Taliban should take the refugees back and settle them in Afghanistan as now they should not feel unsafe since neither Russians nor Americans are there for any kind of persecution but probably Afghans feel more insecure in the presence of Taliban.

In Islamophobic act in Kerala, Muslim student barred from classes

Afghanistan Can Skip Tri-Series with Pakistan Amid Border Clashes

Israel Backs Donald Trump for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

As for the Taliban thinking they defeated Russia (USSR) and the USA: The Taliban publicly claimed victory over both superpowers. Their predecessors (mujahideen groups, which included future Taliban leaders) played a key role in the Soviet defeat, aided by U.S., Pakistani, and Saudi support. The Taliban themselves endured and ultimately outlasted the U.S./NATO occupation from 2001–2021as it was no longer economically viable for them, leading to the 2021 withdrawal—often framed as a defeat for the U.S. in Taliban narratives. This fake perception fuels their confidence in current standoffs with Pakistan. Taliban know that some militants were trained by CIA and ISI and they gave it the name of Jihad and in the same name various people from around the world were exploited and brought to Afghanistan to do Jihad. Now with this if they think that they won the wars against superpowers, give it a try against Pakistan.

Conclusion:

We have endured enough: the loss of about 80,000 to 100,000 innocent Pakistanis—military and civilians alike—in Afghanistan’s wars and ensuing insurgencies and terrorism. Pakistan must no longer tolerate further unrest, which is supported by India and likely to intensify following the downing of six fighter jets and the defeat in May 2025.

For more such Opinions & Blogs, click here.

PM arrives at Congress Center to attend Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit

U21 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey: Pakistan to face India tomorrow

Pakistan Closes Key Crossings with Afghanistan Amid Rising Tensions

BJP refusing to fulfill Sixth Schedule promise for Ladakh: Congress