THE Doha Agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which sought to establish a ceasefire and ease tensions along the Pak–Afghan border, has been widely seen both regionally and internationally as a positive step toward peace and stability between the two brotherly Muslim states.
Peace remains the foremost need for both nations and Pakistan has consistently demonstrated restraint, avoiding escalation despite persistent provocations from the Afghan side. However, the conduct of the Afghan Taliban regime since the signing of the Doha Agreement raises serious concerns. Shortly after the accord, Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob made a highly provocative statement declaring the Pakistan–Afghanistan border as a “hypothetical” boundary an irresponsible remark that undermines the spirit of peace and could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire. Other Taliban officials have made similarly unhelpful statements, reflecting a troubling disregard for diplomatic commitments.
The border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October 2025 were neither sudden nor baseless. They stem from years of cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan soil. The core issue remains Kabul’s continued policy of harbouring anti-Pakistan militants, Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK) and Fitna al-Hindustan. These groups enjoy safe havens, training camps and material support under Taliban protection. The Doha Agreement will only endure if the Taliban genuinely curb such proxy activities. Its success hinges upon Kabul’s commitment to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and stop cross-border infiltration. Should these attacks persist, Pakistan reserves the right to take defensive measures, including targeted strikes on terrorist camps inside Afghanistan. Mediating nations like Qatar and Turkey also have a role to play in persuading the Taliban to honour their commitments and refrain from undermining regional security.
Despite repeated provocations, Pakistan has consistently pursued peace through religious, tribal and official diplomacy. When the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan not only kept its embassy open but also facilitated safe evacuation of foreign nationals amid global chaos. Pakistan actively lobbied for unfreezing Afghanistan’s USD 9 billion in assets and advocated humanitarian relief through regional forums like the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).Pakistan’s outreach included multiple high-level visits and dialogue efforts: visits by the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister and DG ISI, Special Representative for Afghanistan, National Security Advisor besides, eight Joint Coordination Committee meetings, 225 Border Flag Meetings and 836 protest notes, including 13 formal demarches.
In addition, Pakistan dispatched religious and tribal delegations including visit led by Mufti Taqi Usmani to persuade both the Taliban and TTP to cease hostilities. These efforts underline Pakistan’s sincerity in seeking peace and regional cooperation. Pakistan also facilitated bilateral trade through the Early Harvest Program (EHP), reducing tariffs on key Afghan exports and expanding cross-border commerce. These were tangible steps to strengthen Afghanistan’s economy and foster goodwill. Unfortunately, despite repeated assurances, the Taliban regime has failed to act against TTP and BLA militants operating from Afghan soil. Intelligence reports confirm that FAK maintains over 60 training camps across Nuristan, Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktiya, Khost, and Paktika, serving as operational hubs for cross-border terrorism in Pakistan.
Since June 2025, Pakistan has recorded 172 Tashkils (a 36% increase) and nearly 4,000 terrorists (48% increase)infiltrating from these Afghan provinces. Similarly, from Zabul, Paktika, Kandahar, Helmand, and Nimruz, FAH elements have entered Balochistan; 83 documented infiltrations involving approximately 1,200 militants. The 36th UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team Report (July 2025) validates Pakistan’s stance. It confirms that: Al-Qaida and TTP maintain active training sites in six Afghan provinces, besides, the TTP enjoys logistical, financial and operational support from the Taliban regime. Moreover, Kabul provides safe havens, weapons and protection to TTP leadership, including Noor Wali Mehsud, who reportedly resides in Kabul with state patronage. This constitutes state-backed terrorism, an open violation of commitments made under the Doha Agreement between US and TTA in 2020.
Afghan soil is continuously being used by Indian spying network (RAW) to support terrorist outfits. The weapons worth over USD 7 billion left behind by NATO and US forces are now in the hands of these terrorists. Attacks such as the assault on the Frontier Constabulary HQ in Bannu and the Police Training School in D.I. Khan have involved Afghan nationals. Since 2024, at least 267 Afghan terrorists have been neutralized in Pakistan, with eight suicide bombers killing63 Pakistanis and injuring 135 others. This hypocrisy is glaring: Kabul asserts sovereignty when Pakistan targets terrorist camps but ignores its responsibility when its territory is used for attacks on Pakistan. For over four decades, Pakistan has hosted more than five million Afghan refugees, providing shelter, education, healthcare and livelihoods. Yet, instead of gratitude, it faces terrorism from the same soil it helped sustain. Pakistan’s patience has limits.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
