Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict: Security Challenges and Diplomatic Efforts

22 Oct 2025

Table of Contents

The recent border unrest between Pakistan and Afghanistan reflects ongoing challenges in maintaining trust and cooperation on security issues.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict has raised concerns about border security and international diplomacy since October 2025. This started when Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika province, killing at least three people. The Afghan Taliban retaliated immediately with attacks on Pakistani military outposts along the Durand Line.

The confrontation led to casualties on both sides until mediation by Qatar and Turkey brought about a ceasefire. The development reflects a rising strain in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with growing concern over cross-border security challenges.

Core Issues in Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict

Durand Line Dispute

The Durand Line remains a major obstacle to peace in the context of Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict. This 2,640-kilometer border was drawn in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan. Pakistan considers it an international boundary and has almost fenced it completely. However, Afghanistan has never recognized it.

During the Doha talks, Afghanistan's Defense Minister Mohammad stated that the Durand Line is "imaginary" and will never be called a border. This territorial dispute undermines cooperation on border security and counter-terrorism.

The Durand Line divides Pashtun populations across both countries. This shared ethnic identity complicates resolution of the border dispute. It also complicates the alleged counter-terrorism demands of Pakistan for action against the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Regional Mediation and the Ceasefire Framework

The diplomatic efforts led by the Qatar Minister of Foreign affairs prevented further escalation. China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey also urged restraint. Qatar warned of serious consequences for regional stability if the conflict continued.

The Doha agreement produced specific commitments:

Pakistan received assurances that Kabul would not support groups attacking it.
Both countries agreed to respect the other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Technical committees were established to address border security and counter-terrorism cooperation.
The Istanbul meeting focused on operationalizing these commitments through verification protocols. However, defining "verifiable action" remains contentious.

India's Response

India's Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concern over Pakistan’s support for terrorist organizations operating in the region, criticizing Islamabad for attributing internal security challenges to its neighbors. These statements underscore India’s long-standing position on Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border militancy and reinforce its commitment to respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

India has consistently highlighted that sustainable regional peace requires Pakistan to take meaningful action against militant groups targeting its neighbors. In parallel, India has strengthened diplomatic and development engagement with Afghanistan, promoting cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, and humanitarian assistance.

Diplomatic Developments between India and Afghanistan

In October 2025, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister visited India to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discuss regional stability. India elevated its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan by upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy after a four-year hiatus

This move marked a shift in India's approach to the Taliban administration, with the Indian Foreign Minister affirming that closer cooperation would contribute to Afghanistan's national development and regional stability. Additionally, the talks highlighted expanding trade and investment opportunities, particularly through the Chabahar Port in Iran, which provides India and Afghanistan with a trade route bypassing Pakistan.

India has supported educational initiatives, offered streamlined visa services for Afghan nationals, and provided targeted humanitarian assistance. Both sides emphasized enhancing humanitarian assistance, supporting educational and skill development programs, and promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Conclusion

The Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict exposes the failure of Pakistan's strategy of using militant proxies to achieve strategic objectives. The Durand Line dispute adds another layer of complexity. The ceasefire offers a diplomatic opportunity, but sustainable peace requires realistic expectations and cooperative security measures rather than military solutions.

For India, the situation reinforces its concerns about Pakistan’s approach and highlights the importance of advancing strategic initiatives such as the Chabahar Port project. At the same time, ongoing instability in the region poses challenges for all neighboring countries.

The international community, led by mediators like Qatar, must maintain pressure for dialogue while recognizing the structural constraints both sides face. Only through sustained engagement and realistic frameworks can this conflict be managed effectively.