Political audit of Afghan policy

The article critically evaluates Pakistan’s Afghan policy, tracing its historical miscalculations and their devastating consequences. Despite initial euphoria over the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, Islamabad now faces a resurgence of terrorism along its western border, primarily due to the TTP and IS-K. The state’s long-standing strategy of using Islamist proxies for strategic depth has backfired, fostering extremism that now threatens Pakistan’s internal security. The article highlights how Pakistan’s reliance on the Taliban to counter Indian influence has failed, as Kabul continues to maintain warmer ties with New Delhi. Moreover, the pro-Taliban policy has alienated every faction within Afghanistan, even the Taliban itself, while also straining relations with the US and the broader Western world. This flawed security-centric approach has stunted economic opportunities, jeopardized regional trade, and exacerbated domestic terrorism, costing the nation over 70,000 lives and billions in economic losses.

The writer underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s security and foreign policies. The repeated failures of this strategy, coupled with a lack of accountability, have eroded state legitimacy, particularly in the peripheries of Balochistan and KP, where grassroots movements and civilian institutions now openly criticize state policies. The continued reliance on kinetic responses without addressing the root causes of extremism has proven ineffective. The article argues that an inclusive, democratic process must guide future Afghan policy, ensuring broad political participation, particularly from regions most affected by cross-border terrorism. Without such reforms, Pakistan risks repeating its past mistakes, deepening its crises, and paying an ever-growing price for its geopolitical miscalculations.

Overview:

Pakistan’s Afghan policy has historically relied on militant proxies to achieve strategic aims, a miscalculation that has backfired spectacularly. While intended to counter India’s influence and establish a pliant government in Kabul, the policy has instead fueled extremism, alienated Afghan factions, and led to growing instability within Pakistan. The lack of accountability and reliance on failed security-centric approaches continue to deepen Pakistan’s crises, necessitating a fundamental policy shift grounded in democratic oversight and inclusivity.

NOTES:

• Historical Context: Pakistan’s Afghan policy evolved from Cold War alignments, with the state choosing to serve as a proxy in the US-Soviet rivalry. Post-9/11, it continued to shelter the Taliban despite global pressure.
• Strategic Miscalculations: The reliance on militant proxies failed to secure Pakistan’s interests, instead alienating Afghan factions and strengthening anti-Pakistan sentiments.
• Domestic Fallout: Over 70,000 Pakistanis have died due to terrorism fueled by these policies, and billions have been lost in economic damage.
• Geopolitical Implications: Pakistan’s actions have strained relations with the US, reduced regional trade prospects, and undermined economic access to Central Asia.
• Policy Recommendations: A shift towards democratic oversight, inclusive decision-making, and economic diplomacy is essential to reversing these self-inflicted damages.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Pakistan Affairs: Evolution of Pakistan’s Afghan policy, impact on internal security, and regional implications.
• International Relations: Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, counterterrorism strategies, and the role of external powers in regional stability.
• Security Studies: Terrorism and extremism as security threats, the rise of the TTP, and the impact of failed counterterrorism measures.

Notes for Beginners:

Pakistan’s Afghan policy has been a key factor in shaping its relations with Afghanistan, but over the decades, it has led to unintended consequences. The strategy of supporting Islamist factions in Afghanistan was initially aimed at countering Indian influence and ensuring a friendly government in Kabul. However, this policy backfired as it alienated various Afghan groups and fueled militancy that later spilled into Pakistan. The rise of terrorist organizations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the increasing instability along the western border have been direct outcomes. Despite military actions and diplomatic efforts, terrorism remains a major challenge, proving that Pakistan’s reliance on militant proxies has failed. The article emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in policy, advocating for democratic oversight and inclusive decision-making to prevent further damage to the country’s security and international standing.

Facts and Figures:

• Over 70,000 lives have been lost in Pakistan due to terrorism, largely fueled by flawed Afghan policies.
• Economic losses from terrorism in Pakistan amount to billions of dollars, weakening national development.
• Despite five decades of fostering relations with various Afghan Islamist groups, Pakistan has failed to secure lasting influence in Kabul.
• The TTP resurgence after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has resulted in a spike in cross-border terrorist attacks.
• Pakistan’s security-centric policy has strained its relations with the US and Western allies, limiting economic and diplomatic opportunities.
• A significant portion of Pakistan’s geo-economic potential, such as trade with Afghanistan and access to Central Asia’s resources, remains untapped due to instability.

To sum up, Pakistan’s Afghan policy is a cautionary tale of how short-term strategic ambitions can lead to long-term disasters. By relying on militant proxies, the state has not only failed to achieve its foreign policy objectives but has also sown the seeds of domestic extremism. The urgency for a fundamental shift is undeniable—Pakistan must replace its security-centric mindset with a strategy that prioritizes economic growth, regional cooperation, and political inclusivity. Without such reforms, the country will remain trapped in a cycle of instability and crisis, paying an ever-escalating price for past misjudgments.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Pliant – Easily influenced or controlled (syn: submissive; ant: resistant)
• Resurgence – A revival after a period of decline (syn: reemergence; ant: disappearance)
• Impunity – Exemption from punishment (syn: immunity; ant: accountability)
• Kinetic Measures – Military or force-based actions (syn: armed response; ant: diplomatic approach)
• Alienated – Made hostile or estranged (syn: isolated; ant: united)