The north-west frontier of India was unsafe. The fear of Mongol invasion was a standing menace to the stability of Delhi Sultanate. Their constant attacks had created a sense of insecurity among the public, so Balban took many steps against .Mongols so that law and order could be established in Delhi.
Dr. Ishwari Prasad writes,
“He never attempted the conquest of any distant country, his whole attention was concentrated upon measures to guard himself and his kingdom against the Mongols. Even the administrative organization was carried out with a view to strengthen the government to cope with these calamitous raids.”
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During the reign of Balban, the Mongols appeared on the northwest frontier and they established their sway on Lahore. Although Sind and Multan were under the control of the Delhi Sultanate, yet the fear of Mongol invasion on these provinces always perturbed the Sultan.
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In order to strengthen the north-west frontier Balban got constructed a series of forts on it and appointed powerful Afghan soldiers for the safety of his frontier. Sher Khan a cousin of Balban, was appointed in charge of the north-western frontier. He checked the Mongol invaders with efficiency and valour and terrified them.
The post of the warden of marches was given to Muhammad after the death of Sher Khan in 1270 A.D. The provinces of Lahore. Multan and Uchh were also kept under his supervision while Bughra Khan was made in charge of Sunam, Samana and Dipalpur. Muhammad was a competent general. He held under his control a chain of forts at all strategic places.
Balban did not leave unsafe the capital also. He gave up the policy of expansion. However, the Mongols plundered Punjab and crossed the river Sutlan but they were compelled to retreat by the joint army of Muhammad and Bughra Khan.
In 1286 A.D., the Mongols again appeared in Punjab. Prince Muhammad fought against them with great valour but lost his life. The Mongols looted the towns of Lahore and Dipalpur but they could not enter Multan and Uchh. However, the region beyond the Ravi River remained under the control of the Mongols.