Pakistan Afghanistan Border Closure: Terror Attacks Decline in 2026

Locking the gates is working. Pakistan says its drastic decision to shut the border with Afghanistan in October 2025 has successfully throttled the flow of militants and reduced terror attacks on its soil. According to Reuters, the military remains firm that reopening isn't on the horizon as security takes precedence over trade.

How the Pakistan Afghanistan Border Closure Reduces Terror Attacks

The military leadership in Rawalpindi confirmed on January 9, 2026, that cross-border incursions have dipped since the blockade began. This hardline stance aims to force the Taliban government in Kabul to stop providing safe havens for militant groups. While the closure has hampered the regional economy, Islamabad is betting that the short-term pain will lead to long-term stability.

To strengthen its hand, Pakistan is actively seeking China's help. By involving Beijing as a mediator, Pakistan hopes to leverage China's economic influence over Afghanistan to ensure the Taliban honors its counter-terrorism commitments. Meanwhile, Pakistan is shoring up its own finances elsewhere, recently inking a record $4 billion arms deal with Libya and privatizing its national airline for $482 million.

A Fragile Standoff with the Taliban

The Taliban has repeatedly denied that it allows militants to operate from its territory, calling the border closure an act of economic aggression. However, the Pakistan military argues that the data doesn't lie: fewer open gates mean fewer attacks. The standoff continues to reshape the geopolitics of South Asia, as the two neighbors remain locked in a tense trade war that has begun to boomerang on Pakistan's domestic markets.