Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country has become a haven for extremist groups, threatening regional security. The Afghan regime’s failure to control these elements has severely impacted Pakistan. This article explores how Afghanistan has emerged as a terrorism epicentre under the Taliban, the destabilizing role of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), human rights violations by the Afghan government, and the rise of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and its impact on Pakistan.
When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, concerns about it becoming a sanctuary for terrorist groups arose. Unfortunately, these fears have materialized. The Taliban’s return to power has emboldened extremist organizations aligned with the new Afghan government. Their ties with groups like Al-Qaeda persist despite promises to the international community. This resurgence threatens not only Afghanistan’s stability but also that of the broader region.
Afghanistan has increasingly become a breeding ground for terrorist organizations, with the Taliban’s return to power acting as a catalyst. The presence of multiple militant groups, including Al-Qaeda and TTP, poses a severe threat to regional stability. The Taliban’s lax approach towards curbing these groups—many of which have longstanding ties with them—has emboldened these organizations. These groups are now using Afghan soil to regroup, recruit and launch attacks in neighbouring states, especially Pakistan.
One of the most alarming developments since the Taliban’s rise to power is the resurgence of the TTP. This group, responsible for numerous deadly attacks in Pakistan, has found a safe haven in Afghanistan. The TTP’s activities have surged, with its operatives using Afghan territory as a base for planning and executing attacks against Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance or inability to rein in the TTP has further strained relations between the two countries.
The TTP’s exploitation of Afghan soil is not a new phenomenon, but the Taliban’s ascendance has provided it with renewed vigour. The group has carried out several attacks in Pakistan, targeting security forces and civilians alike. Despite repeated assurances from the Taliban that they would not allow Afghan territory to be used for terrorism against any country, the TTP continues to operate with impunity. This has led to a significant increase in cross-border violence, undermining Pakistan’s security and destabilizing the region.
The TTP’s resurgence is a direct consequence of the Taliban’s policies and their ideological alignment with extremist groups. The Afghan Taliban has failed to address Pakistan’s concerns, leading to a deteriorating security situation in Pakistan’s border regions. The TTP’s ability to launch attacks from Afghan soil poses a grave threat to Pakistan’s internal stability and has forced Islamabad to reassess its strategy towards Afghanistan.
Likewise, ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province) presents another significant threat emanating from Afghanistan. Initially formed by disillusioned Taliban members and other extremist factions, ISKP has become one of the most ruthless terrorist groups in the region. It has carried out numerous deadly attacks in Afghanistan, targeting both civilians and Taliban members. The group’s ambition, however, goes beyond Afghanistan’s borders.
ISKP has been actively spreading its influence to neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, Central Asia and even Russia. The group’s expansionist agenda is a cause for alarm, as it seeks to establish a foothold in countries already grappling with their own security challenges. The ISKP’s brutal tactics and extremist ideology make it a formidable adversary, capable of destabilizing entire regions.
Pakistan, which shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan, has been disproportionately affected by the chaos in its neighbour. The Taliban’s rise to power was initially welcomed by some in Pakistan, who believed it would bring stability to the region. However, the Afghan government’s failure to curb terrorism and its poor governance has had a negative impact on Pakistan.
The influx of refugees, the rise in cross-border attacks and the increase in drug trafficking are just some of the challenges Pakistan faces due to the situation in Afghanistan. The TTP’s resurgence, as previously mentioned, has led to a significant security challenge for Pakistan. The Afghan government’s inability to control its territory and prevent it from being used as a launching pad for terrorist activities has forced Pakistan to adopt a more cautious and defensive approach.
The economic impact of Afghanistan’s instability has also been felt in Pakistan. The disruption of trade routes, the strain on resources due to the influx of refugees and the increased spending on security measures have all taken a toll on Pakistan’s economy. The poor governance in Afghanistan has exacerbated these issues, leading to a complex and multifaceted crisis that Pakistan must navigate.
The situation in Afghanistan highlights the dangers of weak governance and the unchecked rise of extremist groups. The Taliban’s return has not brought stability but has instead fostered terrorism and human rights abuses. The international community, especially neighbouring countries, must acknowledge the severity of the crisis and act collectively to address these issues.
—The writer is Islamabad based regular contributor.
