A strong protest by scores of Afghans outside the Pakistan embassy in Kabul has once again highlighted the estranged relations between the two neighbouring countries. During the Friday’s protest in Kabul, protesters used harsh language against Islamabad and the Pakistan army. They also set on fire an effigy of the Pakistani army officials for their alleged involvement in supporting the Afghan Taliban. The Afghan people and government believe that the perpetrators of attacks in Afghanistan operating from across the border. A fresh wave of terrorism has prompted Afghan people to hold Pakistan responsible for the present chaos. There are reports that certain groups and individuals are working to instigate Afghans against Pakistan at the behest of the Indian government. The Indian involvement in such ventures cannot be ruled out. But at the same time, Pakistan also needs to review its policy in dealing with the Afghan Taliban. Afghanistan has been witnessing violence in all extreme forms since decades. It has become a playing field for the Afghan Taliban and other factions of militant groups like IS, which is not a good omen. Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) responded cautiously to the ongoing scenario in Afghanistan. The FO spokesman had reiterated that terrorism is a common enemy and a joint approach is needed to combat this menace. However, this response does not answer the charges levelled by the Afghan people. The presence of terrorists and their training camps in the country cannot be ruled out. Kabul will not be satisfied with Islamabad’s halfhearted efforts. While using its influence on the Taliban to nudge them towards talks, Pakistan needs also to ask them to refrain from escalating tension. Pakistan should adopt a consistent policy and should not leave the job half done as the spoilers of the peace process are already in action. Pakistan should avoid a contradictory role that could prove a failure in the end. Pakistan’s role is critical in rooting out terrorism from the region. It has long been accused that on the one hand Pakistan sees the Taliban as a strategic asset and proxy to promote the country’s interests and help it counterweigh India’s perceived influence in Afghanistan. On the other hand, it talks of having only marginal influence with the group. Pakistan needs to declare all militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan terrorists. There should not be any discretion on the basis of using militants as strategic assets. Along with advising Afghanistan to capitalise on operation Zarb-e-Azb, Islamabad itself has to review its policy of supporting the Afghan Taliban. Islamabad has to use its influence to bring all those factions of Taliban, who are ready to lay down arm to the negotiating table. Besides, all stakeholder states must play their role for the elimination of militancy instead of indulging in proxy wars to gain vested interests. *