WITH a breakdown in diplomatic channels, mainly because of the Afghan Taliban’s lack of will to control cross-border terrorism, and relentless attacks targeting Pakistan traced to its western neighbour, the clashes that broke out on Thursday between the two states were not unexpected.

Pakistan had long been warning the Taliban regime to take action against terrorist groups such as the TTP and IS-K based on Afghan soil. But clearly, these calls fell on deaf ears as attacks on civilians and security personnel in Pakistan continued.

It is under these circumstances that Pakistan took action on Feb 22 against terrorist bases in Afghanistan. Yet with Thursday’s attacks along the border, Kabul has shown that instead of addressing Pakistan’s concerns about violent actors with seriousness, it has chosen to militarily engage this country, further aggravating already hostile ties. Pakistan has responded to the latest Taliban aggression by targeting military sites and terrorist bases at several locations in Afghanistan.

Faced with an obdurate neighbour and an unrelenting wave of terrorism, Pakistan had little choice but to take military action, especially when faced with cross-border attacks from territory controlled by the Taliban.

Now that Pakistan has demonstrated its ability to defend itself, and go after those who seek to do it harm, both sides should de-escalate. China has called for a ceasefire, while Iran has offered its good offices to both sides to help bring temperatures down. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also discussed the issue with his Turkish and Saudi counterparts. The fact is that while Pakistan must defend itself against all threats, in a region already on edge, more war is in no one’s interest. Yet the biggest irritant standing in the way of peace is the Taliban’s stubbornness and lack of appetite to confront the real problem: terrorist groups on its soil that threaten Afghanistan’s neighbours.

While some thought that Taliban 2.0 may have shed their rigid ways, these assumptions have proved erroneous. The group seems to have learnt nothing from history. In the past, its refusal to sever ties with terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda paved the way for the American invasion and two decades of war and suffering for the Afghan people.

It seems to be intent on repeating this dark chapter by continuing to shield the TTP and other banned actors. Pakistan has strong evidence that TTP and IS-K terrorists based out of Afghanistan have caused havoc in this country, while Tajikistan has similar concerns. Even China has reportedly used diplomatic channels to let the Taliban know that they must take action against violent groups. The need is for an immediate ceasefire and substantive negotiations, with the onus on the Taliban to rein in cross-border attacks on neighbouring states, and end this cycle of violence.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2026