Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir is in a significant predicament, grappling with three major crises simultaneously – long-standing tension with India, a surge in BLA's deadly assaults in Balochistan, and open war with the Afghan Taliban. By February 27, 2026, the situation has spiraled to such an extent that Pakistan has declared open war on Afghanistan.
1. Tensions with India – The Kashmir Conflict Reignites
The Kashmir conflict continues between Pakistan and India, dating back to 1947. An attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 claimed 26 lives. India accused Pakistan of supporting terrorists.
In response, India launched Operation Sindur, striking with missiles in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. For four days, both nations engaged in missile and drone exchanges until a ceasefire was announced on May 10, 2025. Tensions persist at the India-Pakistan border in 2026, with Asim Munir warning of a fierce response should India initiate another attack. Pakistan accuses India of aiding BLA and TTP.
2. BLA Attacks in Balochistan – A Grave Internal Threat
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province, faces long-standing insurgency from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
In late January and early February 2026, the BLA executed significant assaults across Balochistan, targeting police stations, banks, homes, and military sites, resulting in the deaths of 31-33 civilians and soldiers.
Source: aajtak
The Pakistani military retaliated, claiming to eliminate 145 to 216 BLA fighters, but the threat persists. Allegations suggest Asim Munir's army engages more in politics than in ensuring security in Balochistan. Pakistan blames India and Afghanistan for BLA's support.
3. Open Conflict with Afghan Taliban – The Newest and Direst Crisis
With accusations of sanctuary to TTP (Pakistani Taliban) within Afghanistan, Pakistan launched airstrikes on Nangarhar, Paktia, and Khost on February 21, 2026. The Taliban retaliated on February 26-27 against Pakistani border posts.
Afghanistan claimed 40 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 15 posts seized. They also claimed to down a Pakistani jet. In response, Pakistan intensified bombing in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Pakistan’s defense minister affirmed the open war stance, and Asim Munir had earlier warned Taliban –
“Choose between Pakistan and TTP.”
Source: aajtak
How are these Crises Interlinked?
Pakistan claims India and the Afghan Taliban are conspiring to undermine its stability, alleged to support BLA and give refuge to TTP. Asim Munir battles on three fronts – the border with India, internally in Balochistan, and neighboring Afghanistan.
The Current Scenario
There is ongoing heavy crossfire and shelling at the Afghanistan border, while military operations in Balochistan continue. The Kashmir tension with India is unresolved. Pakistan faces political turmoil with Asim Munir at the helm of defense. The cumulative pressures on these fronts question Munir’s standing and Pakistan’s security. This is a critical test for Asim Munir, as failure to manage these issues simultaneously could lead to substantial losses for Pakistan.
