Despite hosting millions of Afghan refugees since 1979, Pakistan’s bold stance supporting the Mujahideen’s covert war against the USSR, and facilitating the Taliban’s regroupment, Kabul seems to have forgotten Pakistan’s contributions. India, initially siding with the Soviets, later played a significant role in destabilizing the region by supporting the TTP and promoting movements like Greater Baluchistan and Greater Pashtunistan.
India’s objectives included isolating Pakistan, denuclearizing it, straining regional relations, undermining Gwadar, connecting Chahbahar with Afghanistan and Central Asia, and posing a military threat to Pakistan. Even after the exit of western forces and RAW, Pakistan’s western border remains insecure due to the availability of sophisticated weapons left behind, external funding, safe havens in Afghanistan, and the role of refugees and handlers.
To enhance the security of its western border, Pakistan needs to move beyond a one-sided appeasement policy. Concrete steps, such as the expulsion of illegal Afghan residents and curbing smuggling, mark a positive beginning. Strengthening border management and control systems is imperative for a more secure future.
US Embassy’s List of Afghan Individuals Poses Repatriation Hurdle Amidst Pakistan-US Relations
A significant obstacle has emerged in the repatriation of Afghan individuals, and it is not solely a matter concerning Afghanistan’s Interim Government or the Afghans themselves; rather, it is a chronic issue rooted in Pakistan-US relations. The US Embassy in Islamabad has presented a list of 25,000 Afghans, along with individuals from other countries, to the Pakistan Government, requesting a halt to their deportation.
