Tries New Tactic
Tries New Tactic: The Afghan Taliban are living in an illusion. During a visit to India, their interim foreign minister claimed that Afghanistan defeated the British, Soviets, and Americans. But history shows otherwise. The British defeated Afghan rulers in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80). They turned Afghanistan into a buffer between British India and Russia. Afghan ruler Abdul Rahman Khan accepted the Durand Line as the border. Later Afghan leaders confirmed this border.
Doha Deal
The Soviets didn’t leave because of the Taliban. The US and Pakistan forced them out in the 1980s. They supported Afghan fighters and helped free the country from Soviet control. The US didn’t lose either. America chose to leave in August 2021 due to public pressure at home. The long war had become unpopular. Also, the Taliban had gained strategic depth in Pakistan, which helped them survive.
Since then, the world has expected the Taliban to follow the 2020 Doha peace deal. They promised three things: an inclusive government, women’s rights, and no terrorists on Afghan soil. But they broke all three promises.
Pressure on Pakistan
The Taliban have become hostile toward Pakistan. They are following a two-part plan. First, they are working with India. They want Indian help with healthcare, education, and infrastructure. But they also want to pressure Pakistan by partnering with its enemy. India, in turn, has changed its stance. It once criticized the Taliban but now uses them to counter Pakistan. The Taliban also use India to push back against Pakistan’s demands.
Second, the Taliban have increased attacks on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. On October 11–12, 2025, their fighters clashed with Pakistani forces. They ignored Pakistan’s calls to stop sheltering the TTP and other anti-Pakistan groups. These militants have killed many innocent people, including children.
Blame Game
Pakistan responded with force. It repelled the attacks and caused heavy losses to the Taliban and TTP. Still, the Taliban continue to deny responsibility. They blame Pakistan and say it should handle the terrorists inside its own borders. Their media also spreads false stories, copying tactics used by Indian media.
Third, Pakistan should build pressure through diplomacy. It must engage allies like Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, Iran, the Central Asian states, Turkiye, the UAE, and the US. These countries don’t want the Taliban to host terrorists again. Pakistan can also raise this issue at the UN through the sanctions regime under resolutions 1988 and 1267.
FATA Development
In the medium term, Pakistan should review its past policies toward Afghanistan. It may need to rethink support for refugees, Afghan students, hospital services, and trade benefits. Experts should advise on practical changes.
In the long term, Pakistan must focus on its border areas. It should invest in development across the former FATA region. These communities are the first line of defense against terrorism. Winning their trust is key to long-term peace and security.
Published in Dawn, 19th October 2025
