Afghanistan–Pakistan Border Clashes

Why in News?

• The Taliban administration in Afghanistan launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani border posts following alleged Pakistani airstrikes.
• Clashes occurred along the 2,600 km Durand Line, escalating tensions after cross-border strikes targeting alleged militant camps.
• Both sides accused each other of “unprovoked fire,” indicating deterioration in bilateral security relations post-2021 Taliban takeover.

Static Background

1. The Durand Line Dispute

• The Durand Line (1893) was drawn between British India and Afghanistan by Sir Mortimer Durand.
• Length: ~2,640 km, dividing Pashtun tribal areas.
• Pakistan recognises it as international border; Afghanistan has historically refused formal recognition.
• Dispute fuels cross-border insurgency and mistrust.

2. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Factor

• TTP is a Pakistan-based militant group aiming to overthrow the Pakistani state.
• Islamabad accuses Kabul of providing safe havens to TTP fighters post-2021.
• Taliban deny formal support but have struggled to restrain transnational militancy.

3. Taliban Government (Post-2021)

• Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after U.S. withdrawal.
• No formal international recognition by most countries.
• Afghanistan faces economic crisis, humanitarian dependency, and security fragmentation.

Geopolitical Context

1. Pakistan’s Security Calculus

• Pakistan conducted alleged airstrikes in Afghan territory targeting militant camps.
• Islamabad frames action as safeguarding territorial integrity and internal security.
• Escalation reflects breakdown of earlier Pakistan–Taliban tactical alignment.

2. Afghanistan’s Strategic Signalling

• Taliban’s retaliatory strikes signal assertion of sovereignty.
• Domestic legitimacy imperative: projecting strength against perceived external aggression.
• Risk of localised clashes escalating into broader confrontation.

International Law Perspective

Sovereignty and Non-Intervention

• Under UN Charter Article 2(4), states must refrain from use of force against territorial integrity of another state.
• Cross-border strikes justified by Pakistan under self-defence doctrine (Article 51) against non-state actors.
• Legal controversy: whether inability/unwillingness doctrine applies.

Counter-Terrorism Law

• States obligated to prevent territory being used for terrorist activities (UNSC Resolution 1373).
• Failure to control TTP presence complicates Taliban’s international legitimacy claims.

Regional Security Implications

1. Escalation Risk

• Armed exchanges along mountainous terrain increase risk of miscalculation.
• Historical precedent: border clashes in October 2023 and 2024 ceasefire breakdowns.

2. Refugee and Humanitarian Impact

• Afghanistan already hosts severe humanitarian crisis; border tensions disrupt trade and aid corridors.
• Pakistan hosts millions of Afghan refugees; tensions may worsen deportation policies.

3. India’s Strategic Stakes

• India maintains limited engagement with Taliban regime while monitoring security implications.
• Instability could affect connectivity projects in Central Asia and regional counter-terror strategy.

Economic and Connectivity Angle

• Pakistan–Afghanistan trade critical for landlocked Afghan economy.
• Border closures disrupt transit routes linked to Central Asia–South Asia connectivity frameworks.
• Potential spillover into CPEC security dynamics.

Challenges 

• Unresolved Border Legitimacy: Durand Line remains contested, preventing stable demarcation and border management.
• Non-State Actor Sanctuaries: TTP presence complicates sovereignty claims and fuels retaliatory doctrine justification.
• Weak Institutional Control in Afghanistan: Taliban governance lacks unified control over all armed factions.
• Escalatory Signalling: Airstrikes and retaliatory artillery increase probability of accidental escalation.
• Humanitarian Spillover: Trade disruptions and refugee tensions exacerbate fragile Afghan economy.

Way Forward

• Revive Border Coordination Mechanism: Institutionalise joint verification and ceasefire monitoring cells.
• Counter-Terror Cooperation Framework: Structured intelligence-sharing mechanism targeting TTP without violating sovereignty.
• Durand Line Confidence-Building Measures: Local ceasefire committees involving tribal elders to reduce flashpoints.
• Regional Mediation Support: Engage SCO or OIC platforms to facilitate dialogue.
• Humanitarian Safeguards: Ensure border trade and aid corridors insulated from military escalation.

Prelims Notes

• Durand Line (1893) divides Pakistan and Afghanistan (~2,640 km).
• UN Charter Article 51 permits self-defence against armed attack.
• TTP distinct from Afghan Taliban; operates primarily against Pakistan.
• Afghanistan not formally recognised by most UN member states post-2021.

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