Pakistan kills 16 militants trying to cross from Afghanistan

On March 23, 2025, Pakistan witnessed a significant military operation in its northwestern region, which led to the deaths of 16 militants near the border with Afghanistan. The operation targeted a group that attempted to infiltrate Pakistan from the border town of Ghulam Khan, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan regarding border security and the operations of militant groups. Pakistan has been grappling with a surge in attacks from various militant outfits, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), commonly referred to as the Pakistani Taliban. The TTP has been active in the region and has reported alliances with the Taliban in Afghanistan. After the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan's security situation worsened, leading to increased violence and terrorism incidents within its borders. The Pakistani government has consistently accused the Taliban government in Kabul of overlooking militancy near the shared frontier, a claim that Kabul has denied. In light of this recent military action, Pakistani authorities reiterated calls for the Afghan government to improve border management to prevent militant movements into Pakistan. The Pakistani military statement emphasized the expectation that Afghanistan would uphold its commitments to denying terrorists the use of its territory for attacks against Pakistan. The complexity of the region's geopolitics further complicates the situation, as Pakistan seeks to stabilize its borders against the backdrop of rising militant activities. This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by cross-border militancy, which continues to challenge regional security. As Pakistan steps up its military response, the dynamics of its relationship with Afghanistan remain tense, with both nations facing the repercussions of violence that spill over their respective borders.