The Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Tensions: How Do They Impact Bilateral Relations?

Numra Ilyas

On March 23, 2025, 16 armed fighters were neutralized along the western border with Afghanistan in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, by Pakistan. This incident highlights the ongoing border tensions between the two nations, which have long battled with territorial disagreements and security issues. Pakistan and Afghanistan not only share a border but also are connected along the ethnoreligious lines.

The Durand Line remains a core source of dispute, with Afghanistan rejecting its legitimacy.

Despite the fact, both share a long history of border tensions, affecting bilateral relations and regional stability. Since the independence of Pakistan, the relations between Pakistan and its western neighbor, Afghanistan, have always been difficult. After the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have been strained with border disputes, geopolitical upheavals, and security issues, with the border instability hampering peace and stability efforts.

The major causes of border tensions between the two states are several. First, the controversy surrounding the Durand Line keeps both neighbors at bay. The Durand Line, named after Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, British Indian Foreign Secretary, was created as the border between the British government of India and Amir Abdur Rehman Khan of Afghanistan on November 12, 1893. It is approximately 2640 km (1640 miles) and connects the northwestern province of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar. The Afghan government believes that the Durand line was formed against its will and considers it an artificial border. Since then, border tensions have continued between the two states.

Second, cross-border terrorism also contributes to strained relations between the two states. Terrorist groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State in Khorasan Province (IS-KP) continue to carry out attacks on Pakistan’s military and civilians. The TTP was formed in December 2007 by Taliban members who fled Afghanistan during the War on Terror to the tribal areas of Pakistan. The most notable attacks carried out by TTP include the attack on the US Consulate in Peshawar and the Police Academy in Lahore in 2009 and the attack on the Army Public School in December 2014.

IS-KP, formed in late 2014 by the defectors of TTP, Afghan Taliban, and Al-Qaeda, also poses a serious threat to Afghanistan and Pakistan. It carried out its first attack in Jalalabad on April 18, 2015, resulting in 33 casualties. It was also able to gain control of parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan. Both groups saw a decline after a series of Counter terrorism operations by Pakistan. However, with the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, TTP and IS-KP again emerged as a dominant threat, and in May 2023, TTP carried out 76 attacks. On August 26, 2021, IS-KP attacked Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan, and in March 2022, a mosque in Peshawar, leaving 67 dead. In 2024, both groups were responsible for 335 attacks in Pakistan, resulting in 520 deaths.

Third, security concerns continue to hinder diplomatic relations between the two countries. The cross-border terrorism and illegal activities, such as the smuggling of narcotics, weapons, electronics, and vehicles, remain a persistent threat. The porous border allows terrorist organizations allows terrorists to launch attacks and seek refuge on both sides of the border.  As a result, Pakistan unilaterally started fencing of border in March 2017 to curb illegal activity and terrorism. However, Afghanistan considers the border a colonial imposition and opposes the fencing of the border, leading to frequent border skirmishes and strained relations.

TTP and IS-KP have resurged post-2021, escalating security threats in the border region.

Fourth, bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are also strained by repeated border closures, impacting trade and economic activities. Pakistan is one of Afghanistan’s biggest trading partners, with trade of $135.30 million in August 2023 and $1.6 billion in 2024. During the governments of Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani, the bilateral trade peaked at $3 billion. The major exports to Afghanistan include rice, cement, and pharmaceutical products, and imports include fruits, nuts, vegetables, and cotton. However, the frequent border skirmishes and closures continue to affect trade and the economy.

The impact of border tensions on bilateral relations is multifaceted. The border dispute has resulted in strained diplomatic relations. There is a lack of trust between the two governments. The Afghan government refuses legitimacy to the Durand Line and repeatedly asserts that the border was formed against its will. The strained relations and the Durand line dispute are further exploited by terrorist organizations such as TTP, and contribute to regional instability. As a result, the domestic political considerations, regional dynamics, and broader geopolitical context hinder negotiations on the Durand line.

Trade disruption is increased due to border tensions, affecting commerce activities, hindering economic growth, and discouraging foreign investment. Moreover, it not only impacts the broader economy but also local traders whose livelihood depends on trading between the two states. If the commercial routes like Torkham, Chaman, and Angor Ada remain open, it will result in more bilateral trade. In addition, the building of roads, railways, and ports will increase connectivity and create employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the anti-Pakistan rhetoric also remains high in Afghanistan due to border tensions. It affects the domestic politics of Pakistan. It also triggers or inflames nationalist sentiments, leading to the exacerbation of tensions between Pashtuns and other ethnic groups. The dispute also affects refugee migration and counterterrorism initiatives, affecting security strategies and political decision-making.

Frequent border closures hamper trade, hurting both bilateral relations and local economies.

Pakistan and Afghanistan should improve bilateral ties by adopting a unified approach. Collective consensus and cooperation are vital. Pakistan needs to maintain and establish open channels of communication in diplomacy, the military, and the intelligence. Both states should strengthen border security and prevent smuggling and cross-border terrorism. It is also necessary to engage non-state actors to promote a peaceful resolution and engage tribal and local community leaders. Addressing mutual security concerns through cooperation on counterterrorism initiatives and regional and international cooperation is also necessary.

In conclusion, the border tensions between the two neighbors caused by disagreement surrounding the Durand Line, cross-border terrorism, and security concerns severely impact bilateral relations. The bilateral tensions fuel instability and hinder peace and stability. It is imperative to maintain stability and prevent cross-border terrorism. Both governments should work together to improve bilateral ties.

The author is a bachelor's in international relations student at the University of Sargodha with a profound interest in South Asian affairs and strategic studies.