What happened in the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict in late February 2026?
Around 22 February, Pakistan conducted airstrikes on alleged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in Nangarhar and Paktika, killing at least 18 people according to Afghan sources, while Pakistan claimed around 80 militants were killed. On the night of 26 February, Afghan Taliban forces launched a large-scale retaliatory offensive across the Durand Line, with Afghan officials claiming 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 army posts destroyed. Early on 27 February, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, striking sites in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia; Pakistan’s military says 228 Taliban fighters were killed and 74 posts destroyed. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif then declared an “open war”. Both sides’ figures are disputed.
How did the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict escalate over 2025 and 2026?
Tensions began in August 2025 with Pakistani airstrikes on militant camps in Afghanistan, worsened in September amid mutual accusations, and peaked in October 2025 when the Taliban assaulted border posts in Spin Boldak, before a temporary 48-hour ceasefire. Qatar and Turkey-brokered talks in Doha and Istanbul stalled between November 2025 and January 2026 over Pakistan’s demand for a written guarantee against TTP activity and Kabul’s refusal to recognise the Durand Line. On 6 February 2026, a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad killed 31 to 36 worshippers; ISKP claimed it, but Pakistan blamed the Taliban for harbouring such groups.
What is driving the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict?
Four factors stand out. Cross-border terrorism is central: Pakistan says TTP attacks have grown from border raids to high-casualty urban strikes, and alleges Afghan sanctuary, which the Taliban deny. Pakistan’s “New Normal” doctrine promises an immediate strike on militant hubs in Afghanistan after any major attack, using drone surveillance. The Durand Line, a roughly 2,640 km boundary drawn in 1893, is disputed by Kabul and divides Pashtun communities. Finally, Pakistan faces wider pressures, from a volatile relationship with India and Baloch insurgency to the US-Iran standoff, creating a two-front dilemma.
What is the impact of the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict on trade, aviation and security?
The fighting has closed critical crossings at Torkham and Chaman, halting trade and civilian movement and straining supply chains. Kabul faces lockdowns, mass mobilisation and suspension of non-essential services after explosions near ministry buildings. Temporary flight restrictions and airspace closures may raise costs and disrupt schedules across South Asia, while Pakistan’s navy is on high alert, port security has increased at Karachi and Gwadar, and maritime insurance premiums are rising. The conflict risks drawing in regional powers and could diplomatically push Kabul toward New Delhi while Pakistan seeks closer coordination with China to protect the CPEC corridor. The UN has urged an immediate end to hostilities.
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Organisations should anticipate closures at Torkham and Chaman, set alternative routing plans and buffer stock, coordinate with local authorities and chambers of commerce, and expect tighter security near embassies and government buildings in Kabul, Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Firms should harden facilities, arrange vetted transport, keep backup power and redundant networks, and raise cyber vigilance. Individuals should postpone non-essential travel to border districts, carry valid identification at all times, avoid photographing military movements, monitor flight and border updates, avoid sharing unverified information, and register with their embassy. Emergency numbers are 15 in Pakistan and 119 in Afghanistan.
Frequently asked questions
Did Pakistan declare war on Afghanistan?
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif publicly described the situation as an “open war” with the Afghan Taliban government on 27 February 2026.
Which border crossings are closed?
Critical crossings including Torkham and Chaman have closed, disrupting trade and civilian movement between the two countries.
Are the casualty figures confirmed?
No. Both sides report heavy but disputed casualties: Afghan officials claim 55 Pakistani soldiers killed, while Pakistan’s military says 228 Taliban fighters were killed.
What is the Durand Line?
It is the roughly 2,640 km boundary demarcated in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan, which Kabul does not accept as a permanent border.
Download the full report now
MitKat’s Situational Update on the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict carries the full genesis timeline, strike location maps, causal analysis, impact assessment, organisational and individual recommendations and emergency contacts. Download the full report now to brief your security and continuity teams.
Filed under: APACRegional Risk Reviews
