The equations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are changing since the Taliban took over in Aug 2021. In contrast to Pakistan’s expectations of the new Taliban government as an important ally from the geo-strategic perspective, these two countries are witnessing growing distrust, often leading to each other’s criticism. The latest reason for the discord is the deaths of at least 24 Afghan citizens in the airstrikes carried out by Pakistani forces.

Anti-Pakistan rallies were held in Afghanistan and other parts of the world.1 Taliban government condemned the Pakistan government and warned it of “undesired consequences”.2 Islamabad too responded in harsh words blaming Afghanistan for sheltering terrorists.3

PARADIGM SHIFT IN RELATIONS

Taliban’s relationship with Islamabad has seen a paradigm shift from the brotherhood post-US pull-out period to animosity now.

In September 2021, the Taliban had opened fire on Afghani people for protesting against Pakistan. In order to ensure cordial relations, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen had called Pakistan “extremely important” while Pakistani Minister Sheikh Rashid had called Islamabad “custodian” of the Taliban.4

However, the relationship began to fall apart soon. The border conflict is driving the wedge between the two countries. In February this year, five Pakistani soldiers were killed in a firing by the Tehreek-e[1]Taliban (TTP) militants from Afghanistan. Islamabad demanded that Afghan soil must not be used for terror activities against Pakistan.5

PAKISTANI AIR STRIKES

Now the latest Pakistani airstrike has made things worse. People are protesting in Afghanistan as well as in France and the UK against Pakistan targeting the civilians.6 They are infuriated over the deaths of innocents, mostly women and children.7

People in Afghanistan have always been critical of Pakistan though the Taliban maintained good relations with Islamabad. Hundreds of people in Afghanistan hit the streets after the airstrike.

“The protestors chanted ‘death to Pakistani army,” wrote Afghanistan resident Sangar on his post on Twitter.8 Protesters urged the Taliban government to give a befitting reply to Pakistan.

“No one takes action. We call on the Islamic Emirate to give a strong response to Pakistan,” said one protester.9

SHARP REACTION

Sharp reactions are coming from the Taliban government officials as well.

“No country should test the Afghans. Should not make the Afghans take a similar step. Throughout history, Afghans proved that they never stay without response towards any aggression,” said Defence Ministry spokesman Inayatullah Khwarazimi.10

The Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the UN also condemned the Pakistani airstrike calling it “an aggression against the territorial integrity of Afghanistan” and “a flagrant breach of international law.”11

NO MINCING WORDS

Afghanistan is mincing no words while expressing its anger and threats of repulsive action.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban government, warned Islamabad of “bad consequences” if the same mistake is repeated.12 “If we can fight the war with America, we can also stand against Pakistan,” he retorted.13

The Taliban government summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to inform Islamabad that “allowing antagonists to misuse the situation leading to undesired consequences.”14

PAKISTAN – NO LENITY

Islamabad, on other hand, has shown no lenity or signs of rapprochement with the Taliban.

Rather it has advised the Taliban government to take action against armed fighters on its soil.

The change of guard in Pakistan certainly has had an impact on the Af-Pak relations.

Ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had ultra-conservative leanings, was less critical of the Taliban. He had commended the Taliban for coming back to power. There was hardly any major incident of the Pakistani military taking action against the militants in Afghanistan during his rule.

SHEHBAZ BLUNT, HARSH

However, the new government led by Shehbaz Sharif does not appear to follow the same policy.

Responding to Afghanistan politicians’ criticism, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said “Terrorists are using Afghan soil with impunity to carry out activities inside Pakistan.”15

The harsh and blunt words used reflected Pakistan’s new approach while handling relations with Afghanistan going forward.

There are indications that the relations may deteriorate further as the Taliban has announced that it would not tolerate “cruelty” by Pakistani forces.

“It is paving the way for enmity between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Pakistani side should know that if a war starts it will not be in the interest of any side,” Mujahid retaliated.16

And to make things worse, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, (TLP), a far-right Islamist party, has vowed to avenge the killings of Afghan people.17 It would aggravate the conflict further, straining the bilateral relations further. (POREG)

—By James Crickton

The writer is a regular contributor to Poreg

REFERENCES

1. https://thebalochistanpost.net/2022/04/afghanistan-civilians-protest-pakistani-attacks/

2.https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-authorities-summon-pakistani-envoy-protest-military-strikes-2022-04-16/

3.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-warns-neighbour-afghanistan-not-to-shelter-militants/article65328984.ece

4. https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/death-to-pakistan-hundreds-of-afghans-protest-against-taliban-1850062-2021-09-07

5. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/6/firing-from-afghanistan-kills-five-pakistan-troops-pakistan-army

6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/afghans-in-uk-hold-protest-against-pakistani-airstrikes-in-afghanistan/videoshow/90911125.cms

7. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220417-afghanistan-death-toll-in-pakistan-strikes-rises-to-at-least-47-officials

8. https://twitter.com/paykhar/status/1515345791535263747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1515345791535263747%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeoplesdispatch.org%2F2022%2F04%2F18%2Fprotests-break-out-in-afghanistan-following-pakistani-air-strikes-that-kill-close-to-50%2F

9. https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-177632

10.  https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-177614

 11.https://twitter.com/AfghanMissionUN/status/1515405164714377222?cxt=HHwWjIC-2fy95ocqAAAA

12.https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1515348809299202051?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

13.  https://thebalochistanpost.net/2022/04/afghanistan-civilians-protest-pakistani-attacks/

14.https://twitter.com/MoFA_Afg/status/1515312817439752197?s=20&t=AVcE8uNvkTsG

15.https://mofa.gov.pk/press-release-496/

16. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220417-afghanistan-death-toll-in-pakistan-strikes-rises-to-at-least-47-officials

  17. https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1515948742691950597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw