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CWA # 1996, 27 February 2026
Pakistan-Afghanistan Clashes

  Akshath Kaimal

CONFLICT WEEKLY NOTE

In the news
On 22 February, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. The PAF said it struck seven terrorist camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Afghanistan rejected the claim and said the strikes hit a religious school and residential homes, killing women and children. It summoned Pakistan’s ambassador and condemned the attack as a violation of its territorial sovereignty.

On 26 February, Afghanistan launched “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistan across the Durand Line “in response ‌to repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles.”

On 27 February, Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” and claimed targeting military infrastructure in Kabul, Paktika and Kandahar provinces and along the Torkham border.

On 27 February, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared “open war” on Afghanistan. Its military claimed to have killed 274 Taliban fighters and wounded 400, while destroying 73 Taliban posts and capturing 18 others. Kabul said that the operations it launched earlier achieved “specified objectives.” Afghan government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, also said that if Pakistan continues the war, Afghan forces “have the ability to take decisive action against it.” Kabul claimed killing 55 Pakistani soldiers, with “several others captured alive.”

On 27 February, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the surge in violence and urged both nations to adhere to their obligations under international law. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also urged the two countries to resolve their differences through dialogue, and that Iran was ready to support the process. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged calm and offered to mediate if both sides agree. Turkey’s top diplomat held discussions on the ongoing conflict with ministers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said that it has been mediating the conflict through its own channels.

Issues at large
First, recurring tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Relations between the two countries hit a new low when fighting in October 2025 killed more than 70 people on both sides of the border. The tensions stem from Pakistan’s accusations that Kabul has allowed armed groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to use Afghanistan as a base to launch attacks on Pakistan. The October clashes saw third-party mediation, with Qatar and Turkey helping reach a ceasefire agreement.

Second, increasing attacks within Pakistan and Islamabad’s allegations against Kabul. Pakistan witnessed a spate of terrorist attacks across the country in recent weeks. In February alone, there were attacks in Islamabad and Bajaur, a suicide attack in Bannu and another attack on a Federal Constabulary convoy in Karak district. Pakistan blame the TTP and says it has “conclusive evidence” that the Taliban support the terrorists.

Third, conflicting claims over terrorist sanctuaries. Pakistan has repeatedly called on Kabul to verifiably and systematically dismantle terrorist networks in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has rejected the claim, saying it has no links with the TTP. A recent UNSC report found that the TTP had conducted multiple attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil since the Taliban took over in 2021.

Fourth, the Taliban response. Kabul has repeatedly denied that it supports the TTP and that the group operates from within its borders, saying there is no evidence. Kabul blames Pakistan for failing to control its own internal security lapses and for violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Analysts believe the Afghan Taliban’s unwillingness to crack down on the TTP is due to prior collaboration between the two and out of fear that TTP militants might defect to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

In perspective
First, worsening relations between the two countries. Despite reaching a ceasefire agreement in October, the core issue relating to cross-border terrorism was not addressed. For Pakistan, this presents a complex situation with violence rising within due to attacks from militant groups, and Afghanistan continuing to deny playing any role. While Afghanistan has been willing to resolve the issue diplomatically, it has been unwilling to address Pakistan’s claim of the TTP operating within its borders.

Second, the recent clashes highlight the breakdown of the October ceasefire and bring the two countries closer to a major armed conflict, with Afghanistan being at a significant disadvantage when compared to Pakistan’s military strength.

Third, the need for mediation and a role for Qatar and Turkey. Despite China, Iran, and Russia offering to mediate, Qatar and Turkey seem best positioned to mediate effectively between the two countries, having already done so in October and November. While a permanent ceasefire could not be reached last year, Qatar and Turkey's diplomatic leverage make them the best options for third-party mediation.

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