Pakistan’s patience runs out after badly miscalculating over Taliban

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Saeed Shah in IslamabadFebruary 27, 2026 at 07:12 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In 2021, Pakistan believed the Taliban's rise to power in Afghanistan would be beneficial. However, Pakistan's military has now launched airstrikes in Afghanistan and engaged in border clashes, signaling a breakdown in relations. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of allowing Pakistani militants, specifically the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to use Afghan territory as a base for attacks. The TTP, which seeks to impose its extreme version of Islam in Pakistan, has increased attacks since the Taliban takeover. The Taliban denies harboring the TTP and urges Pakistan to negotiate with the group. Analysts suggest Pakistan's support of proxies has backfired, creating instability along its western border, with a weakening Iran adding to the challenges.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 30% Hillary Clinton 30% New Lines Institute 30% Kamran Bokhari ×240% Iran 40% Lt Gen Faiz Hameed 50% Khawaja Muhammad Asif 60% Afghanistan ×580% Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ×590% Taliban ×10100% Pakistan ×13100%

Keywords

taliban 100% pakistan 100% tehreek-e-taliban pakistan (ttp) 90% afghanistan 80% cross-border attacks 70% safe haven 60% islamabad 60% blowback 50% proxy warfare 50%