Pakistan and Taliban Militaries Compared Amid Escalating Cross-Border Conflict

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated into open conflict in February 2026, with Pakistan launching airstrikes against Taliban-held areas. Pakistan's military significantly outnumbers and outmatches the Taliban forces, fielding approximately 660,000 active personnel, advanced combat aircraft, and nuclear capabilities, supported by Chinese partnerships. The Taliban's military, estimated at 172,000 personnel, relies on captured equipment but faces challenges in modernization and lacks an air force and nuclear weapons. Both sides report casualties amid ongoing border clashes and closed crossings.