Pakistans New Strategy Amid Tensions with Afghanistan Involves India

New Delhi, February 27: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated significantly. Pakistan has declared open conflict against Afghanistan, following a retaliatory strike from Afghanistan. Just hours after Afghanistan’s response, the Pakistani military launched airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar.

Afghanistan initially attacked Pakistan in response to airstrikes on Sunday. Pakistan claimed to have killed 70 militants during these attacks. However, Afghanistan dismissed this claim, stating that the Pakistani strikes resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, including women and children.

Without providing evidence, Pakistan accused the Taliban of sheltering the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). After the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the Taliban’s return to power, Pakistan was among the first countries to congratulate the Taliban. The relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban was strong, and Islamabad hoped for an even deeper alliance.

Analysts suggest that Pakistan has misjudged the situation. They believed they could maintain control over Afghanistan and use it to their advantage. However, the reality has proven otherwise. The Taliban has rejected Pakistan’s attempts to dictate terms. Following the Taliban’s takeover, Pakistan adopted a big-brother attitude, trying to dictate Afghanistan’s actions. An official noted that there are several issues between the Taliban and Pakistan.

Instead of addressing these issues directly, Pakistan has accused India of supporting the Taliban. India has categorically denied these allegations, stating that Pakistan has a habit of shifting its internal problems onto others.

Previously, Pakistan accused the Taliban of allowing the TTP to launch attacks from Afghan territory. In recent months, there has been significant tension along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with multiple incidents including suicide bombings, airstrikes, and ground battles.

The Taliban has also accused Pakistan of attempting to undermine its relationships with neighboring countries. Another official stated, “As expected, Pakistan will justify attacks in Afghanistan by citing the Taliban’s relationship with India.”

Pakistan has accused the Taliban of aligning with India. India has consistently extended a helping hand to the Afghan people. Following a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan, India was the first to send aid. India provided 15 tons of food supplies to the Balkh and Samangan regions, along with medical supplies.

The relationship between India and Afghanistan has always been a thorn in Pakistan’s side. This is why Pakistan consistently blames India and the Taliban for any unfavorable activities in its territory.

Islamabad has propagated the unfounded narrative that the TTP operates from Afghan soil, claiming that India supports this organization. Both the Taliban and India have dismissed these allegations as baseless.

Pakistan views India’s growing presence in Afghanistan with suspicion. The Afghan Foreign Minister visited India last year, leading to an agreement for India to reopen its embassy in Kabul.

Analysts note that it is not surprising that Pakistan has dragged India into this conflict with Afghanistan. The India-Afghanistan relationship is indeed a concern for Islamabad.

Pakistan needs to justify this conflict to its citizens, who have the lowest level of trust in the system. The government must address issues related to the TTP’s situation, the economic crisis, and its approach towards former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In this context, the rising tensions with Afghanistan serve as a distraction for the Pakistani government from its domestic challenges. Experts believe there must be a strong reason behind this, and what better way than to involve India and blame it for Pakistan’s current state.

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