Pakistan fields one of the most powerful militaries in the Islamic world, while the Taliban rule Afghanistan with rugged fighters and battlefield grit. But if the two sides clash, how do conventional power and insurgent warfare really compare?

How strong is Pakistan’s military compared to Afghanistan’s Taliban fighters?

The Durand Line, a 2,640-km border drawn by the British in 1893, was meant to separate British India from Afghanistan. Over a century later, it remains one of the world’s most disputed frontiers, unrecognised by Kabul and fuelling endless tensions.

'A border that refused to die': Why no one recognises the 'Durand line' between Pakistan and Afghanistan?

While the United States is less directly involved than during the Afghan war years, its interests still overlap: Pakistan’s role in regional security, counter-terror efforts, and US concerns over militant groups continuing to find sanctuary. 

Could Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions pull China and US into a new proxy war?

The Durand Line, a long, loosely demarcated border, passes through remote, mountainous terrain. This geography makes large-scale patrolling difficult, allows militants to move across with relative ease, and complicates efforts to fence or secure the border. 


Why Pakistan–Afghanistan border is becoming the world’s next terror hotspot

The tri-series was scheduled in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were involved. However, taking a strong stand, the series is now in limbo as Afghanistan won’t travel to either Lahore or Rawalpindi.

Afghanistan withdraws from tri-series involving Pakistan as deadly air strikes kill three cricketers

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the death of three cricketers in a detailed statement. The board did not hold back and has since withdrawn from a tri-nation T20I series which involved Pakistan.

Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan airstrikes that killed 3 Afghan cricketers

Pakistan has launched airstrikes on TTP Pakistan hideouts deep inside Afghanistan in parts of Kunar and Paktika. This comes after at least seven Pakistan army soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel and captain, were killed on a military post in North Waziristan tribal district.

Pakistan strikes inside Afghanistan, tensions high on Pak-Afghan border

Taliban condemn 'reckless' air strikes by Pakistan that it claims killed eight, including women and children

Rajnath Singh holds meeting with RAW chief, NSA, other security officials

India carries out air strikes inside Pakistan: What we know so far