Policy Debate
Policy Debate: Pakistan faces a tense regional situation. The country is in conflict with the Taliban regime. Citizens worry about how leaders handle the Gulf conflict. They also question how long the Taliban will address Pakistan’s terrorism concerns, despite Pakistan’s strict policies.
Balancing Allies
Pakistan is balancing relations with Iran and its close ally, Saudi Arabia. After signing a defense pact with Saudi Arabia, the real test came sooner than expected.
The government’s Afghanistan policy needs clarification. It is unclear if Pakistan is changing its view of the Taliban or shifting its overall Afghanistan approach. This distinction matters. Recent actions near the Bagram base may relate to US interests.
Parliament’s Role
Parliament is the proper forum to discuss these issues. But once the state makes a decision, parliament has limited power. The government sometimes refers matters to parliament to share responsibility for tough decisions. This may be why Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an in-camera session before calling a joint session of parliament.
Parliament Representation
Both houses of parliament include representatives from major parties, including nationalist and religious groups from Balochistan and KP. Critics say Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s resignation should not have been accepted. Balochistan is a sensitive province amid the Gulf war, Afghanistan issues, and ongoing insurgency.
The PTM represents Pakhtun youth in KP. Its ideological twin, the NDM, lost the election and will skip the session. Opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai represents some of these views. PTI skipped the in-camera session but will likely attend the joint session because the issue involves national security.
The top agenda is the US-Israel war on Iran, which has involved the Gulf region. Sunni Arab countries are waiting patiently. If Iran’s strikes continue, retaliation may occur. Israel may welcome this. The situation will test Pakistan’s geostrategic position.
Balancing Diplomacy
Pakistan may try to support Saudi Arabia covertly while maintaining diplomatic ties with Iran. This approach is difficult because Iran sees issues in black and white. Many Pakistanis support Iran emotionally. Iran’s allies inside Pakistan may pressure the government not to intervene openly. Pakistan’s weak economy and dependence on Gulf oil also limit its options, especially if the Gulf war affects Balochistan.
Afghanistan Policy
The Gulf conflict overshadows Pakistan’s issues with Afghanistan. Pakistan’s actions may aim to punish the Taliban for supporting terrorists or to review its Afghanistan policy. The review involves the Durand Line, relations with India, energy projects, the Wakhan Corridor, and trade.
Pakistan must decide if it wants the Taliban to stop supporting terrorist groups. If the Taliban comply, what relationship will Pakistan maintain? Will Pakistan seek new allies in Afghanistan? The country may shift from a Pakhtun-centered policy to a broader Afghanistan-focused approach. Contacts with the National Resistance Front suggest possible intervention. Such moves could be costly and chaotic. China, a close ally, prefers minimal tension in the region.
Afghan Cooperation
The Taliban rely on anti-Pakistan sentiment and public support. This makes opposition efforts difficult. Experts suggest letting Afghans choose their leaders and manage foreign relations. Pakistan can protect its interests through security cooperation, trade, defense agreements, and possibly a friendship treaty. Frequent and functional cooperation is essential.
Terrorism remains a major obstacle between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Strong action may be needed. But sudden policy changes increase distrust. Parliament should debate these issues. Careful discussion may produce advice that even impresses the government.
Published in Dawn, 8th March 2026
