marking a significant escalation in already strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad. Need of the hours is to explore the implications of these airstrikes, analyzing their impact on Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, its relationship with the Afghan Taliban, and the overall stability of the region. Path towards peaceful future remains fraught with challenges. Only through genuine commitment and a shared vision for a stable region can true progress be made. Aerial strikes embody a clear dispatch that Pakistan will not tolerate its territory being used as an open stage for terrorist assaults. Years of urging the Taliban to crack down on the TTP have yielded little fruit. It seems that new leadership appears to be prioritizing a kinetic strategy using force to dismantle terror networks. Airstrikes are also rendering complexities between Islamabad and Kabul. While Islamabad might have harbored initial hopes of controlling the Taliban regime, these recent events demonstrate otherwise. The Taliban’s inability to rein in the TTP activities suggests a lack of complete control over Afghan territory, or perhaps a reluctance to do so. Despite the current tensions, a complete breakdown in relations remains unlikely. Pakistan still sees the Taliban as a preferable option to other regional players, particularly India. A friendly Afghanistan serves as a strategic buffer against Indian influence. While setbacks and attacks like the one in North Waziristan raise concerns, the destabilization of Afghanistan through full blown conflict would ultimately weaken Pakistan’s position as well. To break this cycle of vehemence, a multifaceted approach is needed. Pakistan must prioritize securing its porous border alongside pursuing targeted operations against TTP sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. Simultaneously, avenues for diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, even if complex, should remain open. Both sides must prioritize regional stability and engage in talks aimed at a long-term solution addressing the root causes of terrorism. The international community also has a crucial role to play. Continued assistance with border security and development programs in both Pakistan and Afghanistan can create opportunities for economic growth and reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies. Fostering dialogue and regional cooperation are essential to address the shared threat of terrorism. It should come as no surprise that the TTP is finding safe haven in Afghanistan. The environment is conducive to most extremist groups, with the TTP being just one among several. Pakistan’s recent expulsions of Afghan refugees further compounded this issue, as many families associated with the TTP were pushed into Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban’s capacity and willingness to engage in a full-fledged military conflict remain limited, thereby reducing the likelihood of further escalation. However, this does not rule out the possibility of more TTP attacks in Pakistan, leading to a pattern of TTP strikes prompting retaliatory bombings by Pakistan in Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban’s response may involve condemnation and symbolic gestures, or potentially providing additional support to the TTP to incite further insurgencies after all, this is the Taliban’s area of expertise.