Three Fault Lines, One Open War: Security Expert Breaks Down Why Pakistan's Taliban Gamble Failed

Maj Gen AK Siwach (Retd.), former head of the Territorial Army, says the current Pakistan–Taliban conflict stems from deep structural tensions that emerged soon after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. According to the expert, disputes over the Durand Line, Pashtun identity, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have intensified the confrontation. Pakistan has relied on air power, while the Taliban has responded with guerrilla warfare tactics.