Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in October 2021, the security landscape in the region has changed notably, especially regarding the evolving posture of the Islamic State Khorasan province, or ISKP. After the Taliban consolidated control, ISKP sought to exploit perceived vulnerabilities in the new regime, intensifying its operations across northern, eastern, and even southern Afghanistan to project its endurance and challenge the Taliban’s claim to exclusive authority.
Taliban and ISKP share similar objectives and sometimes coordinate strategically against Pakistan.
Taliban regime in Afghanistan under the name of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IAG) with an ideological anti-Pakistan sentiment, initially appeared to be in friction with the rise of Islamic State Khorasan province (ISKP), like two fierce enemies engaged in bloody struggle for territory and power, nevertheless, recent developments, intelligence, and the tactical realities of the conflict expose a much more intricate and complicated reality.
One can not ignore the fact that ISKP has many fighters who were once part of the Afghan Taliban who left because of internal issues on strategy, but never had any ideological differences. Therefore, Taliban and ISKP share the same breeding ground, essentially rooted in the radicalism that once thrived in the region. Quite contrary to being harsh adversaries once, both sides now share similar objectives, common goals, and, in some cases, a common operating agenda to counter Pakistan.
The activity of the ISKP has traditionally been concentrated in Kabul and the country’s eastern provinces, notably Kunar and Nangarhar, where the group continues to maintain a strong foothold, especially in rural areas. In November 2021, the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan remarked that ISKP appeared to have a presence in nearly all provinces. Over the period of time, the ISKP scope of violence increased. However, barring some exceptions, 2025 has been a rather quiet year for the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) where its current situation contrasts sharply with that in 2024, when the terror group was expanding its propaganda operations.
ISKP and TTP jointly claimed responsibility for the July 2025 Bajaur attack, signaling blurred operational lines.
What is more interesting to note here is that both groups claimed responsibility for the July 2025 Bajaur attack. The terrorist attack in Bajaur, which claimed the lives of an assistant commissioner and four other government officials, is a grim reminder of the dangerous convergence between TTP and the ISKP, where both groups, with different versions, took the responsibility, demonstrating how these two groups are masking their coordination with a strategic ambiguity. This seemingly ambiguous, yet planned strategic alignment, blurs the lines between their brands but amplifies their impact.
Seemingly, the common ground that exposes the convergence strategy between both groups is their mutual despise for Pakistan. On one hand, ISKP has continuously attacked Pakistani diplomatic, military, and civilian interests. At the same time, Pakistan has a hard time sorting out its internal security issues since the Taliban tacitly support Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). There has been a growing intelligence threat that TTP and ISKP cells have been working together against Pakistan. The existence of this triangular relationship between the Taliban, ISKP, and TTP poses a multidimensional threat to Pakistan.
At the heart of their strategic alliance against Pakistan lies the Khawariji Ideology, characterized by divisiveness and a narrow interpretation of Islam, which highlights a significant departure from the inclusive and harmonious ideals central to true Islamic teachings. This radical doctrine is used by both TTP and ISKP to legitimize their acts of barbarism against innocent Muslims, civilians, and state officials. When terrorism wears the mask of faith, it becomes even more dangerous, corrupting minds to serve political violence.
Their alliance is rooted in Khawariji ideology, legitimizing violence against civilians and state officials.
It is high time that the world recognizes that TTP and ISKP are not enemies of each other; rather, they are the enemies of peace and enemies of Islam who can go to any length to pursue their dangerous agendas. They thrive on confusion and chaos, where they find their way to harm Pakistan with their malicious activities. No matter how many different masks they wear, their goals remain the same. The sooner we understand that their differences are only a facade, the sooner we can strike at the heart of the coordinated threat they pose to regional stability.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
