Pragmatic Diplomacy, Not Alarmism: Pakistan’s Position On Cross Border Terrorism – OpEd
By Waleed Sami
Recent reports highlighting India-Taliban talks have sparked a wave of concern in Pakistan’s media and policy circles. Some analysts have even suggested revisiting Islamabad’s approach toward Afghanistan. However, this alarmist perspective fails to appreciate Pakistan’s principled stance on Afghanistan, its historical contributions to Afghan stability, and its rightful security concerns.
For decades, Pakistan has demonstrated unwavering respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and the right of its people to determine their future. Pakistan has supported Afghanistan through some of its most challenging periods, including the Soviet invasion and the subsequent decades of conflict. At great economic and social cost, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, providing them with shelter, education, and livelihoods. This longstanding partnership underscores Pakistan’s commitment to Afghanistan’s welfare and stability.
Critics suggesting a reassessment of Pakistan’s strategy fail to grasp the fundamental concern driving Islamabad’s policies: the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan. The rise of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its ability to operate from across the border poses an existential threat to Pakistan’s security. Pakistan does not oppose Afghanistan engaging with other regional players, including India. However, it is non-negotiable that Afghan territory should not be used to harbour or support groups that wage terrorism against Pakistan.
Those advocating a softer approach toward the Taliban administration seem to overlook Pakistan’s consistent calls for constructive engagement. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to honour its commitments, particularly in ensuring that its territory is not used for activities undermining the stability of neighbouring countries. This demand is not born out of hostility but grounded in the universally recognized principle of good-neighbourly relations.
India’s renewed outreach to the Taliban, while significant, should not be interpreted as a development that undermines Pakistan’s strategic interests. History provides an important lens: both the Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani administrations enjoyed close ties with India, with New Delhi investing billions of dollars in Afghan reconstruction projects. Despite this, Pakistan pursued constructive bilateral relations with Afghanistan, guided by pragmatism and respect for sovereignty. A similar posture remains valid under the Taliban administration.
Pakistan’s concerns primarily revolve around securing its western borders from terrorism, illegal trade, and unregulated cross-border movement. The deteriorating security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is a pressing issue, and Pakistan has a legitimate right to safeguard its territorial integrity. The responsibility here does not rest on Pakistan alone; the Afghan leadership must actively work to address these shared challenges. This includes taking decisive action against the TTP and other groups that exploit Afghan territory to destabilize Pakistan.
It is worth noting that Pakistan has often been unfairly criticized for its approach to Afghanistan. The portrayal of Pakistan as “aggressive” disregards the reality that Islamabad has consistently sought to address security concerns through dialogue and regional cooperation. The suggestion to engage the Taliban leadership in Kandahar, for instance, reflects Pakistan’s willingness to adapt its diplomatic strategy in pursuit of a mutually beneficial outcome. However, such efforts must be met with reciprocal sincerity from the Afghan side.
Pakistan has always believed in regional solutions to regional problems. The call for using regional platforms to apply collective pressure on the Taliban to address counter-terrorism commitments aligns with Islamabad’s broader vision of fostering stability in South Asia. However, this approach should not come at the cost of disregarding Pakistan’s legitimate concerns or overstating India’s role in Afghanistan.
India’s overtures to the Taliban should also be examined critically. While New Delhi’s engagement may aim to strengthen its presence in Afghanistan, it remains to be seen whether such efforts can translate into meaningful influence under the current regime. The Taliban’s ideological and political alignment with regional actors other than India presents significant constraints. Furthermore, New Delhi’s lack of a contiguous border with Afghanistan limits its ability to play a decisive role in the region’s security dynamics.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s geographical proximity shared cultural ties, and historical engagement with Afghanistan position it as an indispensable stakeholder in any conversation about Afghanistan’s future. This does not imply dominance but rather an acknowledgement of the intertwined destinies of the two neighbours. Pakistan’s emphasis on ensuring a secure and peaceful Afghanistan stems from self-interest and the recognition that Afghan stability is essential for regional peace.
Alarmist narratives suggesting a complete overhaul of Pakistan’s Afghan strategy fail to acknowledge the complexity of the challenges Pakistan faces. Security concerns, refugee management, and border stability are interlinked issues that cannot be addressed in isolation. Pakistan’s actions are not driven by hostility toward the Afghan government but by the need to protect its national interests in the face of tangible threats.
It is also disingenuous to paint Pakistan’s concerns about India’s involvement in Afghanistan as paranoia. The historical record is replete with instances of India using its presence in Afghanistan to stoke instability in Pakistan. New Delhi’s covert support for anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan is well-documented and cannot be ignored in any analysis of the region’s geopolitics. While Pakistan does not oppose Afghanistan engaging with India, it has every reason to remain vigilant about the potential implications for its security.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s approach to Afghanistan should not be dictated by external pressures or alarmist analyses. Islamabad must remain committed to its principled stance of respecting Afghan sovereignty while firmly addressing security concerns. Constructive engagement, regional collaboration, and pragmatic diplomacy are key to navigating the complexities of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship.
Critics calling for a complete reassessment of Pakistan’s Afghan strategy would do well to remember the stakes involved. Stability in Afghanistan is not just an abstract goal; it is a prerequisite for peace in the entire region. Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in this endeavour cannot be overstated. Far from being a passive observer, Islamabad has been an active participant in the quest for Afghan peace, often at great cost.
In conclusion, while India’s recent engagement with the Taliban has attracted attention, it should not distract from the larger picture. Pakistan focuses on securing its borders, addressing security threats, and fostering regional stability. These priorities are not incompatible with Afghanistan’s engagement with other regional players. However, they require the Afghan leadership to act responsibly and honour its commitments to its neighbours. Pakistan’s stance is clear: mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and a firm commitment to countering terrorism are the foundations of a stable and prosperous region.