Afghanistan’s ongoing instability remains a serious challenge not only for its people but also for its neighbours, particularly Pakistan.

The security situation along the shared border, defined by the Durand Line, continues to create an environment that affects Pakistan’s peace and economic stability. This boundary, established in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan, has long been a source of contention.

While Pakistan recognizes it as the international border, Afghanistan has never fully accepted it, viewing the Durand Line as a colonial remnant dividing the Pashtun ethnic groups across both nations. This unresolved issue still fuels tension and complicates relations between the two countries.

Militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan soil, have worsened the already fragile situation. Despite Pakistan’s consistent efforts to secure its borders and promote regional stability, Afghanistan’s inability or unwillingness to control these groups remains a major obstacle to peace.

At the same time, Pakistan’s pursuit of strategic economic projects faces severe risks due to this instability. One such project is the extraction of rare earth minerals in Balochistan, developed in partnership with the United States. These minerals are vital for industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and defense—sectors central to Pakistan’s long-term growth. However, Afghanistan’s failure to curb cross-border militancy threatens the security and viability of this project.

The TTP issue has been particularly damaging. The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to act against these militants deepens distrust. Kabul argues that the TTP fighters are returnees from Pakistan who sought refuge during the Cold War and post-9/11 era. This claim is misleading. In reality, Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees during........

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