Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have now escalated to open military action
Pakistan carried out airstrikes along the Afghan border, targeting seven TTP and ISKP hideouts. This was described as a response to suicide attacks.
The escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have now escalated to open military action. Early Sunday, the Pakistani army carried out airstrikes in the Afghan border areas. The Pakistani army claimed to have targeted seven hideouts linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State (ISKP). The Pakistani government described it as an intelligence-based operation in response to recent suicide attacks. The Ministry of Information stated that they have strong evidence that the attacks were plotted by a network operating from Afghan soil.
The ongoing dispute stems from Pakistan's demand that the Taliban declare the TTP's war un-Islamic. The Taliban rejected this demand.
The American human rights organization, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF), reported 16 deaths, including women and children. Although official figures have not yet been released, the Taliban has threatened to retaliate for the attack. The reason for the tension not escalating is a fatwa.
TTP's Demand to Declaring the War Un-Islamic
In November, Pakistan wanted Afghan Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to declare that the war being waged by the TTP in Pakistan is un-Islamic. Meaning, the Taliban should openly issue religious orders against the TTP. However, the Taliban rejected this demand. Rahmatullah Najib, head of the Taliban negotiating team and Afghan Deputy Home Minister, stated that the Emir issues orders, not fatwas. If Pakistan wants a fatwa, it must submit a formal application to Darul Ifta, and the fatwa will be issued in accordance with Sharia.
The Taliban made it clear that it cannot justify or deem illegitimate any war being fought outside Afghanistan. Furthermore, the Taliban imposed two conditions: First, Pakistan must eliminate ISIS bases in its territory and arrest its leaders. Second, Pakistani military aircraft must stop violating the Afghan border.
Situation worsened after October
The situation worsened after border clashes in October. A ceasefire was reached on October 19th under Qatar's mediation, but the Istanbul talks failed to reach an agreement. Following the Taliban's return to Afghanistan in 2021, the TTP has intensified guerrilla attacks against Pakistan. Pakistan alleges that the TTP receives support from Afghan soil, although the Taliban denies this. These differences have remained a major source of ongoing conflict between the two countries.
