PESHAWAR – Pakistan and Afghanistan’s bilateral relations have, for some time, faced persistent strains. The root causes are multi-layered. Pakistan has seen a continuous rise in terrorism-related incidents within its borders.
Reports suggest India has provided training camps, financial aid, and safe havens for militants, deliberately ignoring Pakistan’s protests.
The situation worsened after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. Weapons left behind by the Americans reportedly reached terrorists, enabling attacks in Pakistan. These events signal that the Afghan government, in collusion with India, may be taking deliberate steps to destabilize Pakistan.
Also Read: Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes intensify as regional powers call for restraint
Afghan Refugees, Local Dynamics
These incidents intensify, particularly when Pakistan initiates serious efforts to repatriate Afghan refugees who have lived in Pakistan for decades. Afghan refugees have integrated into Pakistani society, often accessing resources extensively. Now, with relative stability restored in Afghanistan, continued stay in Pakistan is no longer justifiable.
Despite this, many refugees continue to benefit from Pakistan’s resources. Allegedly, some provide full support to militants, offering safe havens and aiding cross-border terrorism at India’s behest. Allowing them to remain is therefore contrary to Pakistan’s national interest.
Pakistan has repeatedly alerted the Afghan administration to these anti-Pakistan elements, urging cooperation like a responsible neighbor. Yet, the Afghan government largely ignored these appeals. Recently, Pakistan targeted hideouts of Indian-backed militants and, in a separate incident, attacked Taliban leadership at a Kabul hotel, reportedly targeting TTP chief Noor Wali.
These actions were intended to hold perpetrators accountable. In response, Afghanistan reportedly carried out unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani regions. Pakistani forces, however, retaliated decisively, destroying several Afghan posts and hoisting Pakistani flags at key positions along the border.
Also Read: Afghan refugees return accelerates amid crackdown preparations
Strategic Timing, Diplomatic Context
Notably, Afghanistan’s aggression coincided with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India. A joint declaration between India and Afghanistan claimed Kashmir as part of India — contradicting United Nations resolutions. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Afghan ambassador to lodge a strong protest, outright rejecting the statement.
Afghanistan’s anti-Pakistan stance is not new. Historically, after Pakistan’s creation, Afghanistan opposed its UN membership. Yet during the Soviet invasion of Kabul, Pakistan sheltered over 4 million Afghans, providing them extensive aid. Despite Pakistan’s assistance, recent Afghan actions demonstrate disregard for Islamabad’s goodwill.
Military Action, Consequences
Also Read: Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: Property, Power, and the Politics of Return
Following Afghan attacks, Pakistan’s armed forces executed precise counteroperations. They neutralized militants’ hideouts and captured Afghan military posts, raising the Pakistani flag. Afghanistan reportedly requested Pakistan halt further operations. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif asserted that Pakistan reserves the right to enter Afghanistan to exact accountability and warned Afghan authorities to respect Pakistan’s territorial integrity.
An influential Islamic country reportedly advised both Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve disputes through dialogue and cooperation. However, the core issue remains Afghanistan’s continued anti-Pakistan posture.
India has reactivated its embassy in Kabul, and the Afghan Foreign Minister visited Delhi unexpectedly. This signals a potential resurgence of India’s influence in Afghanistan, reminiscent of its past role in supporting anti-Pakistan militants. Analysts suggest that India may be behind recent attacks on Pakistan via Afghan territory.
Pakistan’s swift military response serves as a warning: aggressive actions against Pakistan will have consequences.
The recent escalation underscores the fragile nature of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Afghan aggression, combined with India’s regional maneuvering, poses serious security challenges for Pakistan. Analysts emphasize that Pakistan’s decisive military response, combined with diplomatic pressure, is crucial to deter further provocations and maintain regional stability.
