Feb 22 β€’ 16:14 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Fractured Security and Fiery Borders: Are Kabul and Islamabad Heading for Wider Clash?

Tensions are escalating between Afghanistan and Pakistan following Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, which Islamabad claims were in retaliation for cross-border attacks, while Kabul condemned civilian casualties and accused Pakistan of unwarranted targeting.

The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is witnessing renewed military escalation after Pakistani airstrikes targeted eastern Afghanistan, which Islamabad claims were in response to attacks emanating from Afghan territory. Kabul, however, has condemned these strikes for resulting in civilian casualties and insists that Pakistan's actions are unjustified. The rising tensions reflect deeper issues, with both nations accusing each other of failing to respect their borders and the safety of civilians caught in the conflict.

In a recent discussion, political analyst Mohibullah Sharif from Kabul dismissed the accusations from Pakistan, arguing that since the Taliban resumed power, they have pursued a neutral and independent policy based on mutual respect with neighboring countries. Sharif highlighted that the Taliban has made commitments to ensure that Afghan territory is not used to harm other nations, yet he indicated that Pakistan remains unconvinced by the evidence presented by Kabul. He criticized Islamabad's inability to manage its internal security, which has contributed to the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.

Sharif further elaborated on the historical context of the Afghan war, pointing out that armed groups were once trained in Pakistan, which raises concerns about how Kabul alone can be held accountable for managing cross-border groups. He argued that the presence of a lengthy border fence, stretching over two thousand kilometers, complicates the situation, suggesting that Kabul's challenges in maintaining security are exacerbated by Pakistan's own border control issues and historical grievances. The ongoing tensions highlight the fragile relations and potential for further conflict as both sides navigate their security concerns and regional responsibilities.

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