An analysis indicates that Pakistan's military is significantly stronger than the Taliban's, but ongoing conflicts pose a serious threat to Pakistan's security.
The Global Fire Power Index ranks Pakistan's military as the 14th most powerful in the world, boasting 660,000 active soldiers, 1,397 warplanes and helicopters, and 17,000 armored vehicles. In stark contrast, the Taliban has only 75,000 active soldiers, a mere 5 warplanes, and 5,000 armored vehicles. Pakistan's defense budget stands at 79,000 crore rupees, while Afghanistan's is just 3,000 crore rupees. Despite being well-equipped, Pakistan is wary of engaging in guerrilla warfare, a specialty of the Taliban.
Recent escalations have seen Pakistani soldiers retreat in the face of Taliban attacks, resulting in casualties among their ranks. The Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan has expressed that the conflict with the Taliban is proving to be costly and burdensome for the nation. Although Pakistan's military is far superior in conventional warfare capacity, the strategic guerrilla tactics of the Taliban pose unique challenges that could undermine Pakistan's security.
As the World Cup approaches, the ongoing conflict raises concerns about Pakistan's ability to maintain stability. With increasing Taliban aggression, Pakistan's military focus will have to balance between preparing for potential international engagements and securing its borders against internal threats. This situation necessitates a careful assessment of military priorities and strategies as the country navigates its complex geopolitical landscape.
