Ukrainian suspect

Pakistan and Afghanistan Edge Toward Open Conflict as Border Tensions Spiral

Pakistan and Afghanistan, once bound by strategic ties and shared security interests, are now sliding into one of their most dangerous confrontations in years. A mix of militant violence, mutual accusations, and collapsing trust has pushed relations to the brink, raising the risk of wider regional instability. The deterioration reflects a deeper breakdown in the post-2021 order, as Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants while the Taliban-led Afghan authorities reject responsibility and accuse Pakistan of coercion. With diplomacy faltering and border incidents mounting, both sides appear increasingly willing to test the limits of escalation.