The current situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan shows that the geopolitical rules have completely changed. Previously, Pakistan’s geography was used to exert pressure on Afghanistan, but now Afghanistan’s geographical and political weight has changed in such a way that much of the control has shifted to Afghanistan, rendering Pakistan’s previous tactics ineffective. The time has passed when Afghanistan would only defend along the Durand Line; now, the Afghan side is using every possible means to deliver a crushing response.
From attacks along the Durand Line to drone and cyber attacks, all of these mark the beginning of retaliatory operations, which could escalate to a level that Islamabad has not anticipated. The smoke of gunpowder has now reached the most secure buildings of generals in Lahore and Pindi from the Durand Line, proving that Afghanistan is no longer under the influence of Pakistan’s old and repetitive policies.
Drone and cyber attacks are a sign that the Afghan government understands modern and contemporary warfare, and it has made good progress in this area over the past four years. With every attack from Afghanistan, the fortress of the Pakistani army’s pride crumbles, and this fear is visible in the eyes of the Pakistani generals, as they know they are facing a force that neither accepts defeat nor recognizes retreat. This geographical shift in the war has dangerous consequences, as it is considered the fastest and bloodiest path to the disintegration of Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s retaliatory operations against Pakistan are what have left Pakistani generals in a state of anxiety, making them realize every day that they need to review their policies a hundred times. Pakistan must understand that Afghanistan is no longer the powerless country that would merely watch its people being killed by Pakistani jets and missile attacks; it now has the capability to respond with a hammer.
If Pakistan’s misconduct, aggression, and current situation continue, the Afghan government will resort to unconventional options and actions that will change Pakistan’s direction and strategy. If Pakistan’s aggression continues, the scope of the war will expand, and weapons will be used that Pakistan will be powerless to counter. Pakistan’s economy and security will be so devastated that it will be impossible to recover quickly. Political divisions and security challenges within Pakistan will also widen due to this conflict.
The fear that has now entered the hearts of the Pakistani military’s inner circle is justified because they know that if the Afghans decide to take revenge once, it will be impossible to stop them. The Afghan desire for revenge is a natural consequence of the mistakes and aggressions committed by Islamabad against Afghanistan over the past decades. Afghanistan is no longer a tool in anyone’s hands, and its unjust manipulation is playing with death.
If Pakistan does not put an end to its malicious actions, Afghanistan’s next steps will mark the beginning of the disintegration of Pakistan. This is a threat that is closer to becoming a reality than ever before. If Afghanistan utilizes its full political, military, and technical energy, then a higher level of chaos will emerge in Pakistan than anticipated. The aggression against Afghanistan brings Pakistan closer to the dark days of its destiny that were predicted long ago.