Conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan led to concern. As per the reports of the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, fierce clashes took place between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the border of these countries that led to the deaths of around 250 from both parties — around 200 from Afghanistan and around 50 from Pakistan — and the shutdown of border crossings. The border clash started after the attacks of the Afghan Taliban on the military posts of Pakistan along the north-western border of these countries. But it remains unclear how much border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious similarities on many grounds but maintain an independent bilateral relationship, will be mitigated in the border areas.
Border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan are not new at all. There is also no guarantee that there will not be further border clashes between the parties, whose relations have deteriorated in the last several years. Along with the frequent nature of border conflicts, there are various reasons that are responsible for clashes at borders but are unaddressed. Armed conflicts have been occurring along the border between the countries since 1949. But they increased in the last several years in the Durand Line, which is a 2670-kilometer-long international border. Clashes took place in 2022 at the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing and in 2023 at the Torkham border crossing which led to several deaths. But the latest clash is rendered the most fierce conflict after the regime change in Afghanistan in 2021 through several days of offensive against the then Afghan government forces.
Border disputes, Afghanistan’s non-acceptance of the current border demarcation line and the patronization of non-state armed groups or extremist groups are the main reasons for border conflicts between the countries. The contentious border between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains a site of their major conflicts. But the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its resurgence with the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan have led to several clashes at the border lines and strained relations between the two countries. Unfulfilled expectations on both sides and distrust between the two governments also play a role in border conflicts. Even if the situation does not deteriorate between Islamabad and Kabul much in the coming days, it may consequently be difficult to reduce border conflicts.
Dhaka Opinion Magazine is a global/international opinion magazine. It publishes for you all. The magazine publishes with the aim to help address concerns, improve conditions, solve problems and mitigate conflicts all over the world. Your support is important for the esteemed magazine. You can sponsor the magazine and/or donate to it…
There is a lack of direct peace agreements that can help prevent clashes at borders between the parties, though there exists the 2010 Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) that allows for the cross-border trade. But international mediation based and bilateral talks based measures often help reduce their border conflicts — though a lack of trust and conflicting national interests put hindrances to ending border conflicts. Hopefully saying, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have engaged in mediation efforts to de-escalate the ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Moreover, in response to the ongoing clashes, Pakistan has called for dialogue on the border clashes with Afghanistan.
Mitigating border conflicts between the two parties is vital. But reaching an immediate ceasefire deal is vital for ending the ongoing conflicts. Addressing the root causes of conflicts and reaching a holistic peace plan aiming to end border clashes between the two parties are also crucial. Holding talks between the two parties will help reach such a plan and address border disputes in a lasting manner. The mechanisms of border clash mitigation need to be strengthened so that border clashes can be mitigated by the two countries through bilateral talks. Unless a concerted effort is made by the two parties, it can be difficult to mitigate border clashes in the future too.
The focus needs to be given to the TPP and its attacks inside Pakistan. The group has carried out thousands of attacks targeting Pakistani police, paramilitary and army, leading to more than 2000 deaths in the last few years. Addressing the infiltration of the non-state group and cross-border attacks, along with smuggling and illegal migration, through enhanced border security measures and joint cooperation will help reduce the chance of further border clashes between the parties.
