Absence of a Legitimate Government and Economic Pressure Drive Increased Pakistani Drone Patrols After Heavy Attacks.
Pakistani drones have once again dominated the skies over Kabul and eastern provinces, with recent images showing continuous flights over Khost, Paktika, and Nangarhar following heavy strikes in these regions.
The increased presence of drones indicates Islamabad’s heightened readiness to counter any Taliban movements along the eastern border. The risk of a large-scale escalation remains significant.
Several days have passed since Pakistan’s airstrikes, which initially provoked sharp media criticism from Taliban sources and promises of “revenge.” However, the official atmosphere has now shifted toward complete silence, and the movement of Taliban officials within urban areas has been sharply curtailed.
Local sources emphasize that Taliban forces have been ordered to avoid any large-scale confrontations with Pakistan. Although limited clashes occurred along the Nangarhar border, tensions quickly subsided. Islamabad has warned that any repeat action would meet a “decisive and deep” response.
Military experts note that the Taliban’s severe aerial weakness and lack of advanced defense systems leave them highly vulnerable to Pakistan’s capabilities. The absence of a legitimate and inclusive government, combined with deep economic dependency and intense regional political pressures, renders any potential escalation extremely costly and potentially catastrophic.
Under these conditions, restraint and de-escalation remain the only practical and low-cost option, while any provocative action could push Afghanistan’s eastern borders into a severe humanitarian and military disaster.
