Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan initially seemed optimistic about its relationship with the new regime, as indicated by then-spymaster Lt Gen Faiz Hameed's confident reassurance to reporters. However, the situation has drastically deteriorated, culminating in airstrikes by Pakistan as tensions escalated along their border with Afghanistan. Islamabad has accused the Taliban of failing to curb militant activity from Afghan soil that endangers Pakistani security.

This newfound aggression from Pakistan represents a significant shift in policy, reflecting a deep frustration over the Taliban's inability or unwillingness to contain anti-Pakistan groups. The Pakistani government's military actions come after repeated calls for the Taliban to act, showcasing a failure to manage expectations after seeking a collaborative approach post-Taliban takeover. Experts warn that this could lead to greater instability in the region as hostilities rise between the two countries.

The implications of this conflict could be profound, as it not only strains Pakistan-Taliban relations but could also destabilize the broader regional dynamics. Analysts suggest that this situation highlights a broader dilemma facing Pakistan, which is now grappling with the consequences of its previous policies towards the Taliban. This “blowback” indicates that Pakistan's past engagements may have inadvertently empowered its adversaries, leading to a more complicated and hostile environment.