Betrayal Across The Border: Pakistan’s Struggle For Peace In Kurram – OpEd

In the heart of the Kurram district, nestled within Pakistan’s rugged northwest, the echoes of unprovoked gunfire disrupt the fragile calm. This isn’t just another skirmish; it’s a calculated affront, one that exacerbates an already precarious security situation. The Interim Afghan Government (IAG), in collaboration with elements of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), appears intent on destabilizing a region Pakistan has painstakingly worked to stabilize. For Pakistan, this isn’t just a matter of territorial sovereignty—it’s a test of its resilience and a betrayal that stings deeply.

Pakistan has long pursued a policy of good-neighborliness with Afghanistan, even when it came at significant cost. It has been a sanctuary for millions of Afghan refugees, providing a safe haven during decades of conflict. From hosting international conferences to advocating for Afghanistan’s integration into regional economic frameworks, Pakistan has consistently acted as a stabilizing force. Yet, the recent provocations by the Afghan Taliban betray this goodwill. The unprovoked firing in Kurram, in apparent coordination with TTP elements, is more than a border conflict; it’s an affront to the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.

The timing of these actions is particularly damaging. Pakistan is grappling with numerous internal challenges, from an economic crisis to political instability and a persistent terrorist threat. The IAG’s actions in Kurram, rather than fostering solidarity, seem designed to exploit these vulnerabilities. Such behavior raises troubling questions about Afghanistan’s intentions and its understanding of regional stability.

What makes this betrayal even more galling is the depth of Pakistan’s support for the Afghan Taliban over the years. When the world turned its back on Afghanistan, Pakistan stood by its neighbor, often at the cost of its own international standing. It was Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts that facilitated the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Yet, instead of gratitude, Pakistan faces hostility. The term “Namak Haram Afghan Taliban” (“ungrateful Afghan Taliban”) resonates with many Pakistanis who feel their sacrifices have been met with ingratitude.

This unprovoked aggression not only undermines trust but also risks alienating Pakistan’s public, which has historically been sympathetic to Afghanistan’s plight. It is a stark reminder that diplomatic ties, no matter how deeply rooted, can be easily frayed by actions that disregard mutual respect.

For Pakistan, the road ahead is fraught with complexity. It must balance its efforts to maintain peace in Kurram with a broader strategy to address the underlying causes of instability along the Pak-Afghan border. This requires a two-pronged approach: strengthening border security and diplomatically engaging with the IAG to demand accountability. The international community, too, has a role to play. Turning a blind eye to these provocations risks further destabilizing a region already teetering on the edge.

The Afghan Taliban’s actions are a betrayal of the shared history and sacrifices that bind Pakistan and Afghanistan. But betrayals often come with lessons. For Pakistan, the lesson is clear: goodwill must be reciprocated, and sovereignty must never be compromised. As Pakistan navigates these turbulent waters, it must remain steadfast in its pursuit of peace, even as it demands accountability from those who undermine it.