International Crisis Group Warns Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Have Reached Dangerous Stage

The International Crisis Group has warned that tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a dangerous stage, urging both sides to return to diplomacy to prevent further deadly attacks.

The think tank described last week's deadly airstrike on Kabul's 2000-bed Omid Hospital for addicts as a turning point that has significantly escalated confrontations. More than 400 people were killed and 265 others wounded in the attack.

The group highlighted exchanges of airstrikes and artillery fire that have pushed already fragile relations between Kabul and Islamabad toward direct confrontation.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring armed groups, particularly the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a charge that Kabul denies. In response, Afghan officials have described Pakistan's attacks as unjustifiable violations of national sovereignty.

The International Crisis Group cautioned that continuing this trend amid deepened distrust could lead to broader conflict. It noted that while war with Pakistan may boost domestic support for the Islamic Emirate by uniting Afghans against a common enemy, it would further isolate Afghanistan internationally. The group added that Pakistan stands to gain little despite heavy costs.