New Delhi / Kabul / Islamabad:
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply on Friday after the Pakistani military launched strikes on Taliban hideouts, killing at least 30 militants, even as Afghanistan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in India for his maiden diplomatic visit.
The timing of the operation has drawn global attention, coinciding with Muttaqi outreach to New Delhi — his first high-level interaction with Indian officials since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. The visit marks a significant diplomatic moment for both nations, signaling a cautious attempt to reset ties.
Pakistan Cross-Border Offensive
Pakistan military spokesperson announced on Friday that security forces had conducted a series of coordinated raids in Orakzai district, located in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghan border. The operation reportedly targeted members of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) responsible for a deadly ambush on October 7, which killed nine soldiers and two officers.
“These successful operations have avenged the heinous act and brought the main perpetrators to justice,” the military official statement said.
According to Pakistani media reports, the militants killed in the operation were described as part of ‘Khwarij’, a term Pakistan uses to label groups it accuses of being India-backed extremists.
Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan Taliban government of harboring and supporting TTP militants, who have intensified attacks inside Pakistan since the Taliban return to power.
Explosions Rock Kabul
Adding to the rising tension, a series of loud explosions echoed across Kabul on Thursday night, though no casualties or damage were reported.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government’s chief spokesperson, confirmed the blasts but urged calm.
“An explosion was heard in Kabul city… But don’t worry, it’s all good and well,” Mujahid said. “The accident is under investigation, and no injuries have been reported yet.”
While the Taliban downplayed the incident, analysts suggest the explosions may have been linked to Pakistan military operations or internal security responses.
Taliban Foreign Minister in India
Meanwhile, in a development with significant geopolitical implications, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi for official talks — marking the first formal diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban-led government.
Muttaqi met senior Indian officials and assured that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against any country, including India.
“Kabul will not permit any group or individual to use Afghan soil against the interests of another nation,” Muttaqi said, in what observers view as a subtle message to Islamabad.
Sources suggest that discussions focused on regional stability, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation, as India continues to monitor developments in Afghanistan while maintaining limited diplomatic contact.
Pakistan Growing Unease
Muttaqi India visit has reportedly rattled Pakistan, which has historically viewed Afghanistan as part of its strategic sphere of influence. Islamabad has grown increasingly wary of India engagement with the Taliban government, fearing it could shift regional alignments.
Analysts say Pakistan latest military offensive, timed during the Afghan foreign minister India visit, may also be intended to signal displeasure to both Kabul and New Delhi.
“Pakistan actions are a message to the Taliban — that Islamabad still expects compliance on security matters,” said political analyst Rahim Safi, adding that the cross-border dynamics have entered a “new and unpredictable phase.”
India Diplomatic Balancing Act
For India, Muttaqi visit represents a careful balancing act — reopening limited channels with Kabul while avoiding the perception of legitimizing the Taliban regime. New Delhi has consistently maintained that peace and stability in Afghanistan are vital for regional security.
India engagement is seen as driven by pragmatic interests, including preventing cross-border terrorism, protecting development projects, and countering Pakistan influence in the region.
A Region on Edge
As the dust settles over the Kabul explosions and Pakistan retaliatory strikes, South Asia once again finds itself on the brink of heightened instability. The Pakistan-Afghanistan fault line, compounded by India cautious outreach, highlights the fragile nature of regional diplomacy.
Whether Muttaqi visit to India can pave the way for a new phase of dialogue — or further deepen the divide between Kabul and Islamabad — remains to be seen.
