Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Pakistan Accused of Repurposing Lashkar Infrastructure for Afghanistan Activity
A report says Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led authorities are increasingly in conflict.
Pakistan had expected the Taliban to help control the border and stop attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The report says those expectations did not come true.
Pakistan has responded with military strikes, border closures and other pressure.
Pakistan says this is necessary because TTP members operate from Afghanistan.
Taliban authorities deny giving the TTP a safe place and accuse Pakistan of helping Islamic State Khorasan Province members.
The report alleges that some Lashkar-e-Taiba facilities in Pakistan may now be used to support activities against Afghanistan.
It also says the area is becoming more important because Afghanistan could build new trade and mineral links with China.
A MEMRI report says Pakistan’s expectations of Taliban cooperation have collapsed as Kabul seeks alternative partnerships.
Pakistan has increased pressure through cross-border strikes, border closures, transit restrictions and economic measures, the report says.
Pakistan says its operations respond to the Taliban’s failure to stop TTP activity from Afghan territory; Kabul denies providing sanctuary.
The report alleges that some Pakistani security-linked elements have tolerated or facilitated ISKP networks near the Afghan border.
It further alleges that infrastructure associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba is being used for training or operational coordination involving Afghanistan.
- Who
- Pakistan, Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Islamic State Khorasan Province and groups linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- What
- A MEMRI report alleges that Pakistani militant infrastructure traditionally associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba is being repurposed for activity targeting Afghanistan.
- When
- The shift in Pakistan’s rhetoric was described as escalating by February 2026; the report also cites recent commentary.
- Where
- The alleged activity is focused on Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces and Afghanistan’s border regions, including Badakhshan and the Wakhan Corridor.
- Why
- The report attributes the confrontation to Pakistan’s failed expectations that the Taliban would suppress the TTP and remain dependent on Pakistani transit and security support.
Pakistan’s Position
Taliban Authorities’ Position
TTP activity and military operations
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan says its operations are necessary because the Taliban have failed to prevent the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan from using Afghan territory.
Taliban Authorities’ Position
Kabul denies providing sanctuary to the TTP and rejects Pakistan’s stated justification.
Support for militant networks
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan’s reported position focuses on accusations that Afghanistan permits TTP activity; the report alleges that elements within Pakistan’s security establishment have tolerated or facilitated ISKP networks.
Taliban Authorities’ Position
Taliban authorities accuse Pakistan of harboring Islamic State Khorasan Province elements and increasingly contend that ISKP infrastructure has shifted across the border.
Regional influence and connectivity
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan has used transit, security and economic pressure as leverage and is concerned about developments that could reduce its influence over Kabul and access to regional routes.
Taliban Authorities’ Position
Afghanistan is pursuing alternative diplomatic and economic partnerships, while the Wakhan Corridor could enable direct trade, infrastructure and mineral links with China without relying on Pakistani territory.
- Source
- Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) report
- Pakistan’s stated rationale
- Islamabad says military operations are necessary because the Taliban have failed to prevent TTP activity from Afghan territory.
- Taliban’s response
- Kabul denies providing sanctuary to the TTP and accuses Pakistan of harboring ISKP elements.
- Reported militant links
- The report cites alleged contacts between Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked figures and ISKP-affiliated individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Named facility
- The report alleges that the Maaz bin Jabal Lashkar-e-Taiba Markaz in Dir has provided space for training or operational coordination.
- Strategic region
- Badakhshan borders China, Tajikistan and Pakistan; the Wakhan Corridor gives Afghanistan its only direct frontier with China’s Xinjiang region.
- Pakistani pressure measures
- The report cites cross-border strikes, prolonged border closures, transit restrictions, economic pressure and engagement with Afghan political opponents.