Pakistan Military Far Stronger Than Taliban

Afghan Taliban fighters patrol near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Afghanistan, 15 October, 2025.

Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have escalated sharply, with both sides reporting casualties. Pakistan’s defence minister has described the situation as an “open war”, signalling a serious deterioration in relations.

A comparison of military strength shows a wide gap between the two sides, according to data from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Pakistan maintains one of the region’s largest armed forces, with around 660,000 active personnel. Of these, roughly 560,000 serve in the army, 70,000 in the air force and 30,000 in the navy. The country continues to modernise its military, supported in part by equipment from China, its main defence partner. Investment in naval and air capabilities remains ongoing, alongside the development of its nuclear programme.

By contrast, the Afghan Taliban’s forces are significantly smaller, with an estimated 172,000 active personnel. The Taliban authorities have announced plans to expand to 200,000 troops, but their overall capabilities have declined in recent years. Analysts note growing difficulties in maintaining and operating foreign-made equipment seized after the group returned to power in 2021. Limited international recognition has also constrained access to training and modernisation.

In terms of hardware, Pakistan operates more than 6,000 armoured fighting vehicles and over 4,600 artillery pieces. Afghanistan is believed to possess armoured vehicles, including older Soviet-era tanks and personnel carriers, but exact numbers are unclear. The scale and operational readiness of its artillery systems are also uncertain.

The gap is even wider in air power. Pakistan fields about 465 combat aircraft and more than 260 helicopters, covering multi-role, attack and transport functions. Afghanistan has no functioning fighter jet fleet and only a small number of aircraft and helicopters, many of them ageing and of uncertain condition.

Pakistan is also a nuclear-armed state with an estimated 170 warheads. Afghanistan does not possess nuclear weapons.