Why Are Three Afghan Provinces Irritating Pakistan?

Pakistan frequently carries out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces, claiming these areas are safe havens for Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who launch attacks inside Pakistan and then flee across the border.

These three provinces share a porous border with Pakistan, have difficult terrain and are home to Pashtun communities. Afghanistan condemns the strikes as attacks on civilians, while Pakistan says they are necessary for its internal security.

The ongoing conflict is straining relations between the two countries and raising concerns about regional stability.