The night before, fighting across the Pakistan‑Afghanistan border grew sharper. Both sides say they lost many fighters, and Pakistan’s defence chief called the situation an “open war. ” This shows why people keep asking how the two armies compare.

Pakistan’s military is built on steady recruitment and good retention. It receives much of its gear from China, which helps keep the army, navy and air force modern. Islamabad also pours money into nuclear projects and keeps upgrading ships and planes.

The Taliban’s forces, by contrast, are shrinking. Since taking control in 2021 they have lost the ability to use much of the foreign equipment they seized, and no other country recognises them. That lack of support hurts their upgrades.

In numbers, Pakistan fields about 660, 000 soldiers: 560, 000 in the army, 70, 000 in the air force and 30, 000 in the navy. The Taliban army has roughly 172, 000 troops but wants to grow to 200, 000.

Pakistani ground power is strong too. They own over 6, 000 armoured vehicles and more than 4, 600 pieces of artillery. The Taliban have tanks and transport trucks from the Soviet era, but their exact count is unclear.

The air gap is huge. Pakistan flies 465 fighter jets and more than 260 helicopters, used for attack, transport and patrol. Afghanistan has no real air force; its six planes are old Soviet models that may not fly, and it owns 23 helicopters with uncertain condition.

On the nuclear front, Pakistan is a recognized nuclear state with about 170 warheads. Afghanistan has none.

These facts explain why many think Pakistan still dominates the region’s military balance, even as tensions flare.

Pak vs Taliban: Who Holds the Power on the Battlefield?

Actions