The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has escalated, particularly after Afghan forces captured Pakistani military outposts on February 26. This event followed artillery exchanges and Pakistan's aerial bombings in Kabul. The Taliban's recent control of military equipment valued at nearly $7 billion poses a significant threat to Pakistan, potentially allowing the group to modernize its military divisions. Historically, Pakistan has viewed Afghanistan as vital for its strategic depth against India, but the Taliban's resurgence has complicated this dynamic. The US's abrupt exit from Afghanistan in August 2021, which led to the Taliban's swift takeover, has left Pakistan navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing relations with both the US and China. Additionally, the rise of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) adds to Islamabad's security concerns, as the Taliban's refusal to act against the TTP has turned what was once considered strategic depth into a dangerous liability. As Pakistan faces contradictory demands from both superpowers, it may need to confront distractions from either India or Iran to manage its regional conflicts.