Editorial
Amid the growing mistrust between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, Kabul’s leadership is working to break its international isolation by engaging with neighboring states and strengthening economic ties across the region. Although no country has formally recognized the Taliban regime, many have found ways to conduct business with Kabul without offering official recognition.
A notable shift in this diplomatic landscape occurred recently when the Taliban’s foreign minister met with India’s foreign secretary in Dubai. Afghanistan’s leadership described India as a “significant regional and economic partner,” signaling the desire to foster stronger ties. Trade relations were reportedly at the heart of their discussions, acknowledging India’s prominent role in Afghanistan prior to the 2021 Taliban takeover. New Delhi had invested approximately $3 billion in reconstruction projects, and it maintained warm relations with members of the Northern Alliance. While India has exercised caution in its dealings with the Taliban, it has nonetheless engaged diplomatically. In addition to India, the Taliban also maintains important relationships with China and Russia.
These diplomatic shifts are undoubtedly concerning for Pakistan, prompting a reevaluation of its strategy toward Afghanistan. While Pakistan’s concerns about the presence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) bases in Afghanistan are legitimate, Islamabad must consider adjusting its approach to avoid further exacerbating tensions with its western neighbor. A hostile Afghanistan would pose significant challenges to Pakistan’s security and regional stability.
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Some experts in Islamabad argue that rather than merely communicating with Kabul’s leadership, Pakistan should directly address the Taliban leadership in Kandahar, where true power resides. Despite the reclusive nature of Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, engaging him—or key figures in his inner circle—could be instrumental in relocating TTP and other anti-Pakistan groups from the border region. Such efforts have been made in the past, though with limited success. In 2023, the Taliban issued a fatwa, urging its fighters to cease carrying out “jihad” against Pakistan. However, practical results from such initiatives have been mixed.
Pakistan’s policy must balance the reality that the Taliban may wish to keep the TTP as an ally, as long as they do not pose a direct threat to Pakistan’s security. The current strategy of limited talks and military action against Kabul has not resolved the issue. With other regional powers, including those with less favorable views of Pakistan, making diplomatic progress with the Taliban, it is clear that Islamabad needs to reassess its approach.
To ensure the stability of the region and protect its own interests, Pakistan should work alongside neighboring states to pressure the Taliban to take stronger counterterrorism measures. This would reduce the threat posed by militant groups and ensure that Afghanistan remains a safe neighbor. At the same time, Pakistan must engage with the Taliban leadership in Kandahar and Kabul, keeping diplomatic channels open for future negotiations. If relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to sour, it could create greater instability in both countries and provide space for adversarial states to exploit the situation.
By adopting a more flexible and strategic approach, Pakistan can better safeguard its interests while contributing to regional stability and security.
