Taliban blame Pakistan for Kabul and Paktika explosions, raising new tensions between the neighbors

International Desk | PNN:
The Taliban government of Afghanistan has blamed Pakistan for two explosions that occurred on Thursday in the Afghan capital Kabul and in the eastern Paktika province. This allegation comes at a time when relations between the two countries are already deteriorating, further fueling border tensions.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid initially reported that an explosion was heard in Kabul, but described it as “not very serious” and said that an investigation is underway. However, on Friday, the Afghan Ministry of Defense formally blamed Pakistan in a statement, though details of the incident were not disclosed.

The incident occurred while Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is on a six-day visit to India—the first high-level visit since the Taliban’s return to power. Analysts suggest that the visit is significant both for strengthening ties with India and exerting diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

Pakistan has not yet issued an official response. However, the country’s military spokesperson, Major General Ahmad Sharif, said at a press conference on Friday, “Afghanistan has become a hub for anti-Pakistan activities. We will take necessary measures to protect our people.”

In recent years, Pakistan has repeatedly claimed that the Afghan Taliban government is providing shelter to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the group Islamabad holds responsible for rising attacks on its security forces.

Since 2024, border tensions, military strikes, and retaliatory attacks have caused many casualties between the two countries. In December, Pakistan’s military carried out airstrikes along the Afghan border, further worsening relations.

Security analyst Tamim Bahis said, “If Pakistan is indeed behind this explosion, it will not only affect political relations but also close all avenues for future cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Islamabad-based analyst Ihsanullah Mehsud commented, “This attack sends a message to Pakistan—if the Afghan Taliban do not control the TTP, Pakistan is ready to strike targets across the border.”

Observers fear that such attacks could increase Afghan sympathy for the TTP, further complicating relations between the two countries.

Amid the growing geopolitical changes in South Asia, this new confrontation between Afghanistan and Pakistan has become a major concern for regional stability.