Border Tensions: What Could Be Afghanistan's Possible Response?

ISLAMABAD, Nov 27, 2025: Amid recent border skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Kabul has threatened to respond to alleged Pakistani attacks at a "proper time and in a proper manner." If tensions escalate between the two neighboring countries, what are Afghan Taliban’s options to respond?

Analysts suggest that Kabul has limited options for potential military responses. The border is already closed, and trade has halted. In this situation, they could either reduce diplomatic ties with Pakistan or conduct limited operations at border checkpoints.

As a result of the border tensions that began on the night of October 11, according to the Pakistani military's Public Relations Department (ISPR), 23 Pakistani soldiers and over 200 Taliban fighters have so far lost their lives.

Subsequently, Qatar and Turkey offered to mediate for a ceasefire between the two countries. First round of negotiations took place in Doha and next two in Istanbul, but they ended without any results.

Pakistan claims that militants from the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) present in Afghanistan carry out cross-border attacks, allegedly with Indian support, although Kabul and New Delhi deny this.

This week, Afghanistan claimed that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Khost, killing 10 individuals, but Islamabad denied this, stating, "Our policy is against terrorism, not against the Afghan people."

ISPR's Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated in a media briefing on November 25 that "Pakistan did not target civilians inside Afghanistan."

On the other hand, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has stated that "the people of Afghanistan are determined to utilize all their resources and capabilities at the appropriate time to protect the country's land and sanctity."

In this situation, how will Kabul advance its relations with Islamabad? Senior Pakistani journalist and expert on Afghan affairs Tahir Khan believes that Afghanistan's response now depends on Islamabad and how far Pakistan is willing to go.

He said: "The recent airstrikes, which Pakistan has denied, have not yet received a response from Afghanistan because whenever the Afghan Taliban attack Pakistani border posts, Pakistan always responds. After Pakistan's attacks, there is pressure within Afghanistan to also respond."

He noted that the Afghan Taliban have limited diplomatic options. "The Afghan Taliban do not have any options to seek diplomatic support from any country. Afghanistan's diplomatic position is precarious. Pakistan's stance is that those fighting against them are in Afghanistan, and other countries like Iran, Russia, and China are also concerned about this. I do not believe that there will be any change in Pakistan's policy as long as the Taliban are in power."

Tahir Khan believes that "Pakistan's position is clear for the Taliban government: they must choose either the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) or Pakistan."

The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is only 1,229 kilometers long in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 20 crossing points into Afghanistan. Checkpoints are present every 15 to 20 kilometers, while most of the area is mountainous and rugged. Overall, the total length of the border is over 2,500 kilometers.

Currently, Pakistan's security agencies find the Tirah Valley to be a particularly concerning location, with Afghanistan's Nangarhar region on the other side. According to the Pakistani military's spokesperson, Tirah is becoming a new stronghold for terrorists, making operations there unavoidable. Experts say that any action in this area could limit the Taliban's options.

On the other hand, Afghan affairs expert Sumera Khan believes that "Afghanistan's response could now be to reduce diplomatic ties with Pakistan and increase limited operations at border checkpoints to apply political and military pressure on Pakistan."

In the current situation, there is a risk of increased militant activities. Militants have already targeted major sites such as the Cadet College in Waziristan, the Islamabad district courts, and FC headquarters.

Sumera Khan believes that "this simply means that the Afghan Taliban will leave the border open for militants to increase Pakistan's difficulties. In response, diplomatic ties with India are expected to strengthen to give Pakistan the impression that Afghanistan does not need it."

Conversely, she thinks Pakistan will increase intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations and tighten border control to prevent the movement of militants. If attacks continue, limited, targeted cross-border strikes may also persist.

The Afghan Taliban have significantly improved their military organization and training over the past two decades. They have mastered various combat strategies and techniques, which make them potentially effective. However, Pakistani military power could prove to be quite dangerous for them.

This ongoing hostility could further foster distrust and hostility between the peoples of both countries, especially in border areas where ethnic and tribal affiliations intersect.