Security Risks Amid Economic Crisis; Pakistan Struggles Over Taliban Issue

 International Desk | PNN:

Since the Taliban took power in Kabul in August 2021, the expectations of Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership have drastically changed. At the time, Pakistan assumed that the Taliban government would be supportive and act as a defensive buffer for Pakistan’s security. This assumption was based on two decades of Pakistani military and intelligence support for the Taliban movement.

However, following the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul, relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have deteriorated sharply. Recently, the Pakistani Air Force conducted an attack on targets in Kabul, reflecting mutual frustration and disrespect between the two sides.

Pakistan’s national security apparatus, including the military and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is responsible for shaping Afghan policy expectations. Pakistan had hoped that the Taliban government would pressure the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to relocate from Afghan territory. But the Taliban appear unable to provide a solution to Pakistan’s immediate security concerns.

At the same time, Pakistan faces a combination of domestic security challenges, economic recession, Indian hostility, and political instability. In the first three months of 2025, over 2,400 people were killed in Pakistan, higher than the 2,500 fatalities recorded in the same period last year.

The Taliban government, which lacks significant international recognition—no country formally recognizes it aside from Russia—faces severe economic difficulties, with the population suffering food shortages and humanitarian crises. Ongoing tensions with Pakistan further complicate their situation.

Currently, Pakistan refers to the Taliban government as a “regime” and demands a more inclusive government. Pakistan expects the Taliban to refrain from supporting the TTP and act in Pakistan’s interest.

Meanwhile, the Taliban see themselves as victorious, battle-hardened fighters who have resisted international forces for years. In their view, conflict with Pakistan is not a major challenge; any Pakistani attack could strengthen domestic support for the Taliban.

Although tensions continue between the two countries, the international community, especially Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, could play a critical role in facilitating a divided peace process. Both Qatar and Saudi Arabia have already begun mediating between Pakistan and the Taliban, bringing temporary stability.

Despite these challenges, both Pakistan and Afghanistan understand that continued conflict would be harmful. A lasting resolution requires sincere peace negotiations and dialogue.