Military tensions continue to escalate along the Afghan-Pakistani border with exchanges of fire and increasing political rhetoric. Islamabad has referred to the situation as an 'open war,' while Kabul claims to maintain control over several border points. The conflict's complexities are evident, with military expert Major General Faiz Duweiri offering insights into the challenging terrain that stretches from Balochistan to the Khyber Pass in Peshawar, which comprises some of the most difficult geographical environments.

Duweiri highlights the shared responsibilities between tribal forces, border guards, and the army throughout this region, which is fortified by a network of observation points and defensive positions. He notes that in these harsh conditions, asserting total control over the border is unrealistic. He clarifies that control in such environments is 'temporal' rather than 'spatial,' meaning that maintaining long-term positions is inherently problematic due to the landscape's nature and the distribution of forces.

The expert further posits that Pakistan's resort to its air force and drones demonstrates a significant escalation in its military approach. This could indicate a shift in strategy influenced by the challenges of ground combat in such rugged territory, possibly indicating a move to establish a stronger presence in the air to offset difficulties faced in maintaining control on the ground. The implications of this militarization could extend beyond immediate tactical outcomes, influencing diplomatic relations between the two nations.