Amid renewed cross-border strikes, Pakistan holds overwhelming military superiority over Afghanistan in manpower, air power, artillery, and nuclear capability. According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Pakistan’s conventional and strategic arsenal far exceeds that of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, which lacks an operational air force and nuclear deterrent.

What Triggered the Latest Escalation?

Recent airstrikes saw Pakistan target multiple Afghan cities including:

Kabul
Kandahar
Paktia Province

Pakistan described the strikes as retaliation for cross-border militant attacks. Afghan authorities rejected the claims, alleging civilian casualties and violations of sovereignty.

The clashes threaten a fragile ceasefire reportedly mediated by Qatar and Turkiye.

🇵🇰 Pakistan Military Strength

Personnel

660,000 active personnel
- 560,000 Army
- 70,000 Air Force
- 30,000 Navy

Air Power

465 combat aircraft
260+ helicopters (attack, transport, multi-role)
Advanced air defence systems

Nuclear Capability

Approximately 170 nuclear warheads

Ground Arsenal

6,000+ armoured fighting vehicles
4,600+ artillery pieces

Pakistan benefits from continued recruitment, structured military command, and defense imports — particularly from China.

🇦🇫 Afghanistan (Taliban Forces) Military Capacity

Personnel

~172,000 active personnel (Taliban forces)

Air Capability

No operational air force
No fighter jets
At least 6 aircraft (mostly aging, some Soviet-era)
Around 23 helicopters (operational status unclear)

Nuclear Arsenal

None

Ground Equipment

Soviet-era tanks
Armoured personnel carriers
Unknown artillery strength

The Taliban’s ability to maintain and operate advanced equipment has reportedly declined due to limited technical support and lack of international recognition.

Head-to-Head Snapshot

Category	Pakistan	Afghanistan
Active Personnel	660,000	172,000
Combat Aircraft	465	0
Helicopters	260+	23 (uncertain condition)
Nuclear Warheads	~170	0
Armoured Vehicles	6,000+	Unknown
Artillery	4,600+	Unknown

Strategic Implications

Pakistan maintains full-spectrum military dominance.
Afghanistan lacks air superiority and strategic deterrence.
Escalation risks destabilizing the region further.
Ceasefire efforts may weaken if cross-border retaliation continues.

The military imbalance suggests Afghanistan is unlikely to engage in sustained conventional warfare but may rely on asymmetric tactics.

Final Verdict

Pakistan overwhelmingly outmatches Afghanistan in conventional and strategic military strength. With nuclear capability, superior air power, and significantly larger manpower, Islamabad holds a decisive advantage.

However, border conflicts in this region historically evolve into prolonged low-intensity confrontations rather than full-scale wars — meaning military superiority does not automatically guarantee stability. a fragile ceasefire reportedly mediated by Qatar and Turkiye.