The recent geopolitical shifts in South Asia, particularly the emerging alliance between India and the Afghan Taliban, demand urgent introspection, not just by Pakistan but by the entire region. For decades, Pakistan has borne the brunt of instability across its western border, often compounded by foreign interference. Today, that interference appears more coordinated, more deliberate, and potentially far more destabilising.
India’s Deepening Footprint in Kabul
India’s renewed diplomatic courtship of the Afghan Taliban is not merely symbolic. The recent visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi, where he openly endorsed India’s stance on Kashmir, calling it an “internal matter”, was a turning point. This joint declaration, which undermined Pakistan’s longstanding position on Kashmir as a disputed territory under UN resolutions, has not only stoked tensions but raised legitimate questions: What is India really seeking in Afghanistan?
The answer lies in strategic opportunity. As Islamabad’s ties with Kabul have deteriorated, primarily due to the Afghan Taliban’s failure to curb cross-border terrorism, India has sensed an opening to realign itself with a power structure it once shunned. While India did not recognise the Taliban regime during their first stint in power in the 1990s, today, it appears willing to compromise ideology for influence.
A Calculated Alliance or Convenient Opportunism?
India’s outreach to Kabul is not being driven by altruism or a genuine desire for regional peace. Its moves are tactical—designed to exploit Pakistan’s diplomatic and security vulnerabilities. Every Afghan medical unit funded, every scholarship granted, every development initiative launched by India is part of a broader strategy to encircle Pakistan and sever its historical influence over Afghanistan.
It is no coincidence that the deepening India-Afghanistan engagement comes at a time when Pakistan is facing heightened militant activity—particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These regions have long been targeted by India-backed proxies operating through Afghan territory. The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups have not just found refuge across the border; they have been actively enabled by Kabul’s inaction and New Delhi’s strategic silence.
The Fallout: Terrorism and Cross-Border Attacks
The recent surge in cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is a grim reminder that Pakistan’s calls for cooperation have largely fallen on deaf ears. Instead of working with Islamabad to eliminate the TTP and other hostile elements, the Afghan Taliban have chosen to indulge in diplomatic theatrics with India. This has emboldened terrorist factions operating from Afghan soil, allowing them to launch attacks against Pakistan’s security forces with impunity.
In retaliation, Pakistan has exercised its right to self-defence under international law. Targeted strikes on militant hideouts across the border have not only been necessary but unavoidable. While Kabul portrays itself as a victim of aggression, the reality is far more complex. It has failed to honour its commitments under the Doha Agreement and continues to harbour groups that threaten Pakistani sovereignty.
Diplomacy or Denial?
Pakistan has made repeated efforts to resolve the crisis through dialogue. High-level delegations have travelled to Kabul, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has visited multiple times. Yet, the outcomes have been negligible. At every critical juncture, talks have been derailed—either by Taliban intransigence or by deliberate provocations orchestrated by actors who benefit from a breakdown in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
It is evident that the forces opposing regional peace—ranging from banned groups to hostile intelligence networks—view reconciliation between Kabul and Islamabad as an existential threat. The minute dialogue gains traction, a new attack occurs. This pattern cannot be dismissed as coincidence.
Afghan Refugees: Between Brotherhood and Burden
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades. Despite economic constraints and security concerns, these displaced populations have lived with dignity. However, the time has come to re-evaluate this generosity. The recent federal government policy to repatriate undocumented Afghan nationals is not a punitive measure—it is a necessary course correction.
Yet, this move has sparked tensions with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, led by PTI, which has publicly opposed the policy. This political divergence raises serious questions. While national security demands a unified response, KP’s reluctance to enforce repatriation measures risks turning the province into a safe haven for undocumented foreigners—many of whom may have links to hostile actors.
PTI, as the ruling party in KP, must be held accountable. Its overt support for Afghan refugees, while politically expedient, cannot come at the cost of national security. If the party continues to obstruct federal directives on repatriation and security enforcement, legal scrutiny must follow. The state cannot afford leniency when it comes to safeguarding its borders and citizens.
A Regional Threat Requires a Regional Response
It is crucial to remember that Pakistan is not alone in facing the fallout of Afghanistan’s internal disarray. China, Iran, Russia, and Central Asian states have all voiced concerns over the unchecked presence of terrorist outfits within Afghanistan. The “Moscow Format” discussions and other multilateral efforts underscore the urgency of a coordinated response to what is rapidly becoming a regional security crisis.
If Afghanistan’s leadership continues to ignore these warnings, it risks isolating itself, not just diplomatically but economically and militarily. The message from regional powers is clear: peace in Afghanistan is a shared goal, but it requires responsible governance and international cooperation, not collusion with destabilising elements.
The Way Forward: Conditional Engagement and Strategic Clarity
Pakistan must adopt a policy of conditional engagement with Kabul. Humanitarian assistance and diplomatic channels should remain open, but cooperation must be tied to clear and verifiable actions. These include:
The dismantling of all TTP camps inside Afghanistan
The arrest and handover of known terrorists
A verifiable commitment to non-interference in Pakistan’s internal matters
Furthermore, Pakistan must enhance border security, accelerate fencing along the Durand Line, and expand intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The state must also ensure tighter coordination between civil and military leadership to prevent political divisions from compromising national security.
Reclaiming the Narrative
The growing India-Afghanistan nexus is not just a challenge, it is a test. A test of Pakistan’s resolve, unity, and strategic clarity. For too long, we have allowed others to dictate the narrative on Afghanistan. That must change.
Pakistan has sacrificed too much in the war on terror to allow history to repeat itself. It is time to reclaim control over our security, our borders, and our future.
Let India play its dangerous game. We will respond; not with panic, but with purpose.
