The Taliban have recently accused Pakistan of being behind explosions in Kabul and the Paktika province of Afghanistan. The incidents occurred amid rising tensions between to two nations, which have historically been intertwined. This blame cast by the Taliban comes as Pakistan faces challenges with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group aligned with their Afghan counterpart.
Details of the Kabul and Paktika Explosions
Two explosions were reported in Afghanistan on Thursday. The Taliban’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the blast in Kabul but minimized its seriousness. He stated the situation was under investigation with no reported injuries at that time.
On Friday, the Afghan Ministry of Defence directly implicated Pakistan for the blasts, although they did not provide specific evidence. Speculation spread on social media regarding Pakistan’s involvement, particularly focusing on their alleged intent to target senior TTP leaders.
Impact on Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations
The accusations surfaced as Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi began a six-day visit to India, marking the first diplomatic outreach to India since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The worsening relations between Kabul and Islamabad have been exacerbated by Pakistan’s criticism of the Taliban harboring TTP militants, who are blamed for increasing violence within Pakistan.
- More than 2,500 fatalities were reported in Pakistan in 2024.
- The first three quarters of 2025 saw violence levels near those of 2024.
- In 2025, the TTP had already conducted 600 attacks against security forces.
Meanwhile, in September, approximately 135 people were killed in Pakistan due to violence related to the TTP, with the military further intensifying operations against perceived threats, killing over 30 fighters in Orakzai.
Recent Developments in Diplomacy and Security
The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been through cycles of diplomatic engagement and fallout. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul in April aimed to mend relations but was met with continued violence. Pakistani officials maintain that Afghanistan is being used as a launching pad for attacks against their security forces.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a stark warning to Afghanistan, urging them to choose between maintaining peaceful relations with Pakistan or siding with militant groups like the TTP. Defenders of Afghan hospitality pointed out that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
Potential Consequences of Increased Tensions
The growing mistrust between the Taliban and Pakistan could lead to dire consequences. If Pakistan were indeed involved in the Kabul blasts, this might provoke the Taliban and the TTP into escalating violence. Security analysts suggest that further strikes could exacerbate the situation, potentially eliciting a sympathetic response toward the TTP from the Afghan populace.
As the political climate remains volatile, Pakistan’s military and political leadership face critical decisions regarding their approach toward Afghanistan and the TTP. With both sides attributing blame, the path to stable relations remains fraught with challenges.
