Pakistan faces renewed terrorism as Taliban resurgence complicates relations

In Afghanistan, just three years after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have significantly escalated. Initially, the Taliban's return to power was celebrated by Pakistan's political and military leadership; however, this support quickly transformed into a complex and deteriorating relationship. In recent months, Pakistan has experienced a substantial increase in terrorist activity along its western border, mainly attributed to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). This rise in violence is a direct consequence of Pakistan's longstanding policy of fostering militant groups in Afghanistan for strategic purposes. Historically, Pakistan's strategy has relied on supporting various Islamist factions to exert influence over Afghanistan since the 1970s. During the Cold War, for example, Pakistan operated as a proxy for US interests against the Soviet Union, yet continued to cultivate a pro-Taliban policy that has led to ramifications for both countries. The consequences of such policies have not been limited to foreign relations. Internally, Pakistan has faced repercussions, including rising extremism and challenges to state legitimacy. As Afghanistan's political landscape shifted with the Taliban's resurgence, Pakistan anticipated these extremists would act as a counterbalance against Indian influence. Ironically, the opposite has occurred. The TTP has exploited the power vacuum created by the Taliban to carry out attacks within Pakistan. This alarming trend has led to a recognition among various political factions within Pakistan that the approach taken towards Afghanistan has been deeply flawed. Many now agree that failing to integrate all socio-political perspectives, particularly those of provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) most affected by the violence, will only exacerbate the situation. Going forward, it is crucial for Pakistan to reshape its Afghan policy based on inclusive deliberation and democratic oversight. The existing framework has proven detrimental, not only to Pakistan's security landscape but also to its influence in Afghanistan and relations with other regional nations. A shift in strategy that includes broader representation and recognizes the concerns of all parties involved can pave the way for a more stable and mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan and mitigate the ongoing security challenges faced domestically.