Pakistan Turned to Afghanistan Out of Frustration After Failing Against India: Report

New Delhi: After Operation Sindoor, there has been a rapid change in the strategic picture of South Asia. Recent reports claim that Pakistan turned its attention towards Afghanistan after weakening in military and diplomatic pressure against India. Reports related to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said that this step was not merely a matter of border security but part of a strategy to improve its image and handle internal pressure.

Did Pakistan's strategy change after Operation Sindoor?

According to reports, Operation Sindoor launched by India in May 2025 exerted deep psychological and military pressure on Pakistan. In this operation, India had targeted terrorist structures, after which Pakistan's position at the international level also weakened. In such a situation, it is alleged that Pakistan considered Afghanistan a relatively easy target to divert attention and show its military activism.

Were the attacks on Afghanistan a 'strategic compulsion' ?

In a TTP magazine, the Pakistani army chief has been accused of trying to strengthen his leadership capacity by increasing tensions with Afghanistan. It was claimed that this step was taken after the confrontation with India did not yield the expected results. Analysts believe that this has been an old strategy to garner support at the domestic level by showing cross-border action.

Was America's factor also involved in this conflict?

The report also alleges that the attacks on Afghan areas in February 2026 were more to satisfy international pressure, especially from the US, than to act against terrorism. Although these claims have not been independently confirmed, this has once again intensified the discussion about external influence in regional politics.

Had Pakistan-Afghanistan relations reached 'open war'?

In February 2026, Pakistan had publicly talked about 'open war' against Afghanistan. After this, air strikes were carried out under ‘Operation Gajab-Lil-Haq’, due to which the tension between the two countries reached its peak. In response, Afghanistan also claimed to attack Pakistani targets, which made the situation more serious.

Is this whole incident a sign of regional instability?

Experts believe that the increasing conflict with Afghanistan after India-Pakistan tension could deepen instability in South Asia. There is already a dispute regarding the Durand Line, so the military action has made the situation more complicated. If this trend continues, it may affect not only these three countries but also the security and diplomatic balance of the entire region.