Use Of Afghan Soil By Non-State Actors – OpEd

The joint declaration by four ministers from Iran, China, Pakistan and Russia categorically denied the claims made by Afghanistan’s foreign affairs minister claim that Kabul is not providing safe havens to terrorist groups. The joint communiqué by these four neighboring states expressed serious concerns regarding the activities of non-state actors and questioned Afghan government’s approach to mitigate these challenges and threats emanating from Afghanistan. The leniency being shown by Afghan government towards non-state actors is threatening regional peace as promised in Doha agreement. 

Previously, Afghan government, Taliban, maintained that non-state actors such as ISKP and TTP are not getting any support or patronage from Kabul and instead facing counter-terrorism operations from Afghan forces. But, the reality is different as international communities including Afghan neighbors have expressed serious concerns regarding the use of Afghan soil by these non-state elements to carry out attacks against other countries. With the passage of this statement, it has become evident that Afghanistan has become caldron of non-state actors. 

Likewise, other regional and international organizations and states have also conveyed their reservations to Afghan government and the United Nations that terrorist organizations are directly posing threats to them and jeopardizing regional integration. Moreover, the actors are growing and emerging threats within Afghanistan too and posing serious challenges to the people of Afghanistan. The recent meeting by Pakistan, Russia, China and Iran have also revealed the nexus with these non-state actors and how they are getting soft corner from Afghan government. 

It is pertinent to mention that the resurgence of ISKP and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan will have serious implications for the region. Therefore, Afghan government must act decisively to curb these threats and concerns raised by other countries. Afghan regional countries have also provided evidences of the activities of these non-state actors. Now it is up to Afghan government how it react and act against these groups to address the concerns of regional countries. 

It has been observed that TTP has shifted and operating from Afghan areas across Durend Line. Pakistan has repeatedly asked Afghan authorities to stop use of its soil against other countries. However, Afghan government has not taken any concrete actions against them as of now. TTP is launching attacks inside Pakistan with the help of Afghan Taliban. The failure of Afghan government to curb this militancy challenge will not provide any relief and instead further exert pressure on the government and will likely complicate its efforts to get global recognition.  The denial of Afghan government is further strengthening the narrative of these non-state actors.

Likewise, remarks made by these four countries also highlighted the presence of non-state actors in Afghanistan. Al Qaeda’s persistent activities inside Afghanistan are concerning for other countries as well and also challenging the claims made by Afghan government  This narrative not only hinders regional counterterrorism efforts but also allows these groups to persist unchecked, thereby exacerbating the threat they pose to Afghanistan’s neighbors.

The Afghan Taliban’s denial of the existence of these groups undermines any meaningful efforts at collaboration with neighboring countries on counterterrorism. Pakistan has been bearing the brunt of cross-border attacks and Afghan government’s failure to act against these groups is creating panic in the region. The failure of Afghan government to launch counter-terrorism efforts enabled these terrorist groups to thrive and pose direct threats to other states.

If actions against these groups are not taken immideately, Afghan people and government both will suffer and have to face the consequences. The situation in Afghan is not conducive and people are struggling to live a healthy life due to economic constrains and sanctions imposed by global community. Afghan government’s continued support to these groups will further weaken its case for economic and political support from international community. 

Likewise, the neighbors of Afghanistan as well as international community must pressurize Kabul for more transparency and accountability in dealing with extremist groups. Pakistan, Iran, China, and Russia must work collectively in future too in order to stop the use of Afghan soil by non-state actors. The denial of the presence of terrorist groups within Afghanistan by the Afghan Taliban is a grave miscalculation that threatens regional and global security. The Afghan Taliban must be held accountable, and its responsibility to maintain security within its borders should be enforced through diplomatic and economic pressures.