The Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship has once again entered a turbulent phase marked by renewed border skirmishes, diplomatic friction and mutual accusations of harboring militants. The recent clashes along the Durand Line have reignited long-standing disputes rooted in mistrust, historical grievances and diverging national priorities. Pakistan blames Afghanistan for the rise in cross-border attacks attributed to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil poses an alarming security challenge. On the other hand, the Taliban regime in Kabul views Pakistan’s security operations and border fortifications as violations of Afghan sovereignty. The deteriorating trust between the two neighbors threatens not only their bilateral relationship but also the broader regional stability of South and Central Asia. At a time when both nations face deep economic and humanitarian challenges, finding a sustainable framework for engagement has become imperative.

A major factor behind the ongoing friction is the unresolved issue of cross-border terrorism. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing TTP militants to regroup and launch attacks on Pakistani soil. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to engage the Taliban through dialogue and intelligence sharing, little progress has been achieved in dismantling these sanctuaries. The Taliban’s ideological affinity and historical ties with the TTP complicate their willingness to act decisively against them. Meanwhile, the Pakistani state has been forced to launch counter-terrorism operations within its borders, straining its security apparatus and economy. Unless the Afghan Taliban takes verifiable steps to curb the TTP’s presence, Pakistan’s security dilemma will continue to intensify.

The border itself remains a flashpoint of contention. The Durand Line, demarcated during the colonial era, has never been formally recognized by Afghanistan as an international border. The Taliban, like previous Afghan regimes has maintained ambiguity on this issue, often portraying it as a matter of national pride and sovereignty. Pakistan having fenced most of the 2600 kilometer border to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling, views the fence as a legitimate step toward ensuring national security. Yet frequent border closures, attacks on checkpoints and disputes over new fencing or crossings have fueled anti-Pakistan sentiment in Afghanistan and further deepened mistrust. A viable option for progress requires both sides need to depoliticize the border issue and treat it as a shared security concern rather than a symbol of national defiance.

Economic interdependence could serve as a crucial avenue for de-escalation. Despite political rifts, Afghanistan relies heavily on Pakistan for trade, imports and access to global markets especially being a land-locked country and simultaneously serve as a gateway to Central Asian republics for Pakistan. However, frequent border closures, visa restrictions and transport delays have disrupted trade and worsened humanitarian conditions inside Afghanistan. Instead of using economic tools as leverage, both nations should adopt an approach of economic confidence-building. Pakistan needs to establish joint economic corridors, enhancing border markets and resuming the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) with updated mechanisms can help rebuild trust. Economic cooperation not only provides mutual benefit but also reduces incentives for conflict and mistrust, laying the foundation for regional connectivity through projects like CASA-1000 etc.

Diplomatic engagement remains another critical missing link. In the absence of formal and consistent dialogue, both governments rely on ad hoc channels or third-party mediation to convey grievances. The closure of formal communication lines and mutual expulsions of officials may only worsen the situation. Islamabad must recalibrate its diplomatic strategy by prioritizing sustained institutional dialogue with Kabul rather than relying solely on security-based engagement. Similarly, the Taliban regime if it seeks regional legitimacy, must demonstrate political maturity by maintaining diplomatic courtesy and addressing Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns. Confidence-building measures such as establishing a permanent joint commission on border management and counterterrorism can restore the broken lines of communication.

Regional powers and multilateral frameworks could also play a constructive role. China, Russia, Iran and the Central Asian Republics all share a common interest in preventing Afghanistan from descending into chaos. As for multilateral forums, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) can facilitate dialogue and coordinate counter-terrorism strategies. Pakistan, as a key member of SCO and a neighbor with deep strategic stakes can leverage these multilateral forums to push for a regional consensus on Afghanistan’s stability. The inclusion of the Taliban in regional economic and security dialogues can also incentivize responsible behavior, gradually integrating Afghanistan into a cooperative framework rather than isolating it.

Internal political coherence within Pakistan is equally vital; without a unified national approach, Islamabad’s Afghanistan policy risks remaining reactive rather than strategic. Pakistan’s political instability, coupled with economic pressures and divided governance has weakened its ability to project consistent foreign policy objectives. The civilian and military leadership must forge consensus on how to deal with the Taliban government whether through engagement, containment, or conditional cooperation. This clarity is essential not only for national security but also for regional diplomacy, as mixed signals often lead to misperceptions in Kabul.

Ultimately, peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan cannot be imposed; it must be built through mutual recognition of shared vulnerabilities and interdependence. Both nations are grappling with economic crises, social discontent and extremist threats that feed off instability. Instead of perpetuating hostility, they need to chart a pragmatic course rooted in cooperation, not coercion.

In essence, the path forward lies in transforming a historically adversarial relationship into one guided by rebuilding of trust and cooperative pragmatism. Pakistan must recognize that its long-term security cannot be achieved through isolation or confrontation, while Afghanistan must understand that harboring militant groups undermines its legitimacy and stability. The stakes extend far beyond their shared border as they shape the future of regional peace, connectivity, and prosperity. If both states can muster the political will to prioritize dialogue over distrust, the current crisis could yet become an opportunity to redefine their relationship for a more stable and secure region.