Afghanistan factor continues to disrupt the regional peace under the controversial rule of Taliban. Air strikes by Pakistan on terrorist camps and hideouts were not outcome of any impulsive reaction. It was ridiculous approach of Taliban towards the genuine security concerns of Pakistan which compelled the state authorities for a firm retaliatory response. Obsession of Taliban regime with terrorism and willing support to anti-Pakistan banned groups is no more a well-kept secret. It is not only Pakistan which repeatedly continue to point out the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan rather all regional stakeholders have expressed similar concerns.
Shocking facts were disclosed in the recent report released by a committee of UNSC about the close linkage of Afghan Taliban with numerous terrorist outfits. The UNSC 37th monitoring report highlights that Afghanistan is a safe haven for several terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The report notes that these groups pose a significant threat to regional and global security, with TTP conducting numerous high-profile attacks in Pakistan from Afghan soil. It also revealed that TTP’s intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces and state structures, had been fueling tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As per the report, Al-Qaeda provides ideological guidance and support to other terrorist groups, with senior commanders hiding in Kabul. Whereas, ISKP has around 2,000 fighters and continues to expand its network, posing a threat to regional security.
It was a worrisome disclosure in the report that the de facto authorities in Afghanistan have not taken sufficient actions to address the presence of these terrorist groups, despite international concerns. Similar concerns were expressed in a report recently released by Russian Foreign Office. The Russian Foreign Ministry’s report highlights that Afghanistan is home to 20,000-23,000 terrorist fighters, with more than half being foreign nationals.
Ceasefire and talks are the way forward, but the Taliban needs to step up and mend their ways.
These groups include ISIS-Khorasan (3,000 fighters operating in eastern and northeastern Afghanistan), TTP( 5000-7000 fighters targeting Pakistan), Al-Qaeda (400-1500 members maintaining networks in several provinces),East Turkestan Islamic Movement ( 300-1200 members, poised for China’s Xinjiang region), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (150-500 members rebranded as Islamic Party of Turkestan) and Jamaat Ansarullah(150-250 members).
The report emphasizes that these groups pose a significant threat to regional security, with the Taliban seemingly disinterested in containing them. Not surprising for many, India has emerged as an exception on this particular issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Fact of the matter is that India remains comfortable with all such criminal acts including the terrorism, which hit the Pakistan. Islamabad had been warning the Taliban regime to crack down on terrorist groups like TTP and IS-K operating from Afghan soil, but these calls were ignored, leading to continued attacks on Pakistani civilians and security personnel.
In response, Pakistan launched strikes against terrorist bases in Afghanistan on February 22. However, the Taliban’s border attacks on Thursday escalated tensions, showing they are not taking Pakistan’s concerns seriously. Pakistan retaliated by targeting military sites and terrorist bases in Afghanistan, showing zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism. Pakistan faced with relentless terrorism and a stubborn neighbour like Afghanistan , had to take military action against cross-border attacks from Taliban-controlled territory.
China, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are calling for calm, with China and Iran offering mediation. Pakistan has got evidences that TTP and IS-K are causing chaos from Afghan soil, and even China has urged the Taliban to act against these groups. Indian sponsorship to anti-Pakistan terrorist groups (TTP, BLA including their splinter groups and sympathizers) has multiplied the complications.
The Taliban’s refusal to tackle terrorist groups on its soil is the main obstacle to peace. Their past refusal to cut ties with Al-Qaeda led to devastating war; now they are repeating this mistake by shielding terrorist groups TTP and BLA. It’s time for the Taliban to take responsibility and stop cross-border attacks. Ceasefire and talks are the way forward, but the Taliban needs to step up and mend its ways.
Contrary to this rationale approach, growing nexus of Taliban with ill-intended India reflects no signs of betterment any soon. With Modi embracing Netanyahu in all sinister future plans, it is quite obvious that Pakistan would continue to fight hard against very hostile neighbours.
The writer is a student.