Abdullah Mukhtar, the Taliban-appointed governor of Khost, has instructed border forces to remain prepared for any potential threat as tensions with Pakistan continue to escalate.
The governor’s office said on Friday that Mukhtar, leading a delegation, visited border areas near Babrak Tana adjacent to Pakistan.
According to the statement, Mukhtar described the defence of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and population as a “sacred responsibility” and urged border personnel to perform their duties with vigilance and integrity.
The visit comes as relations between the Taliban and Pakistan reach one of their highest points of strain and mistrust. Recent talks between the two sides in Türkiye ended without progress, while trade and transit routes have been closed for more than a month with no indication of reopening.
Taliban fighters have clashed with Pakistani border forces more than 15 times over the past four years. In the second half of September 2024, relations between the Taliban and Islamabad deteriorated to their lowest level since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. In a highly unusual development, Pakistani aircraft recently entered Kabul’s airspace and struck targets in the Afghan capital.
Following the failure of negotiations, concerns have increased over the possibility of renewed border confrontations.
