The Inside Story Podcast What are the risks as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalate?
Nov 25, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Obaidullah Baheer, a political commentator from Kabul, sheds light on escalating tensions with harrowing details of civilian casualties. Sahar Khan, a security analyst in Washington, explores the complex proxy dynamics and the destabilizing impact of militant groups. Hameed Hakimi from London provides insights on the historical distrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The trio debates the balance between diplomacy and military action and suggests mediation from Qatar and Turkey to address ongoing conflicts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Civilian Toll And Failed Agreements
- Obaidullah Baheer argues Pakistan's airstrikes killed many women and children and violated sovereignty.
- He notes the Afghan Taliban tried mediating with the TTP, issued bans on Afghans joining TTP, and set up verification mechanisms.
Proxy Warfare Drives Instability
- Sahar Khan frames the Afghanistan–Pakistan clash as proxy warfare involving regional actors.
- She warns proxy groups give short-term gains but long-term destabilisation of bilateral relations.
Historical India Factor Shapes Policy
- Hameed Hakimi links Pakistan's Afghanistan policy to long-standing India encirclement fears.
- He stresses this legacy complicates verification and fuels domestic narratives in Pakistan.