Emergence of Afghanistan as epicenter of all brands of terrorism in the region has enormously endangered the regional security. 33rd report submitted to United Nation Security Council by the monitoring committee tasked on ISIL (Daesh) and other terrorist groups contains eye opening details about active existence of multiple terrorist groups on Afghan soil.
The details are quite disturbing for global and regional players, however, for Pakistan it appears as a much-needed endorsement of longstanding terrorism specific concerns. As per disclosures made in the report, multi-dimensional operational support rendered by the Daesh is enabling the TTP to confront the rigors of war against the state of Pakistan. Severity of this secretive nexus multiplies with the significant backing of interim Afghan government after mysteriously unhindered takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Surging terrorism in areas adjacent to Afghanistan borders is an extraordinary security challenge. Well-equipped terrorists, involved in brazen attacks, do not believe in constitutional frame work of the state of Pakistan. Frequent attacks on law enforcement agencies, civil armed forces and military troops are undeniable evidences of massive foreign support to these terrorist groups operating under the ideology of Daesh and TTP.
Everything in Afghanistan is not fine. Hasty withdrawal of US and NATO troops with baggage of unfinished counter terrorism task is in the heart of current regional security crisis. Ironically, TTP terrorists are using US leftover weapons in attacks on Pakistan. Decades long unrest continues to spill over in neighboring states. Obviously, Pakistan is confronting the most undesired consequences of perpetuating disorder radiating out of unsettled Afghanistan. Meaningful suggestions of dialogue with terrorist groups pouring in from Kabul at various occasions are a sort of confessions about the presence of TTP on Afghan soil. Pakistan has never hesitated in conveying the genuine concerns to Kabul through all available and legitimate channels. Any sort of denial on part of Afghan interim government always compels Pakistan to relook at bi-lateral ties with security lens. Decision to strike the safe havens of TTP after Mir Ali attacks came under compulsion. How Pakistan can overlook or neglect the blood bath of its citizens in the hands of those terrorists who openly reject the writ of state? Persistent denial of genuine security concerns of Pakistan has raised many questions on the credibility of Interim Afghan government. Zero tolerance policy towards unbroken vicious cycle of terrorism seems the most effective way of tackling the cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan.
Not only Pakistan various international watchdogs are pointing out the presence of hardcore terrorist groups inside Afghanistan. This venomous collaboration comprises provision of weapons, battle equipment, training and on ground operational support for execution of hardcore terrorist operations. 33rd report submitted in UNSC has validated the objections of Pakistan raised at various occasions on the highly doubtful role of Kabul amid recurring terrorist attacks from Afghan soil.
There are credible evidences about provision of aid from interim Afghan government to the family members of TTP soldiers as well. Nature of such deeper connection between TTP and Afghan Taliban is highly toxic and it portrays something extraordinarily serious beyond the typical optics of religious synchronization. When Afghan Taliban dramatically took over Kabul without any resistance from National Army operating under Ashraf Ghani regime in 2021, certain quarters expected uprooting of anti-Pakistan terrorist groups from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, Interim Afghan Government disappointed the optimistic quarters in Pakistan and adopted a highly controversial stance against all the positive expectations. Persistent inaction of Afghan Taliban against the terrorist groups involved in serious attacks inside the Pakistan is a major reason behind seriously strained bi-lateral relations.
Unjustified reluctance of Afghan Taliban in countering the banned TTP is posing a grave threat to national security of Pakistan. Seriousness of matter may be assessed from the alarming disclosures made in the report submitted to UNSC regarding establishment of training camps in different areas under Al-Qaeda and Al-Qaeda in Subcontinent. Besides enabling TTP against Pakistan, these camps are being used as operational bases by East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Turkestan Islamic Movement (TIM) and Majeed Brigade. It is obvious that, terrorist groups being nurtured in Afghanistan are aiming to spread wings across whole region. Co-existence of ethnic terrorist group Majeed Brigade with self-style religious extremist outfit TTP is sufficient proof of coordinated destabilizing maneuvers against Pakistan.
Apparently, the followers of two different ideologies, the TTP and Baloch ethnic separatist groups, are actually marching on the singular drumbeat of anti-Pakistan terrorism. No rocket science is needed to solve this riddle. Brazen terrorist attacks on Gwadar port complex, Turbat naval base and targeting of Chinese nationals in Besham precisely aimed at derailing the projects having potential of stabilizing Pakistan. Kabul should keep in mind the unconditional support extended by Pakistan on humanitarian grounds at all international forums to Interim regime despite absolute lacking of international recognition. Allowing Indian proxies on Afghan soil and support rendered to the TTP are the major blunders on part of Taliban regime. While having the capability to catch the bull by horn, Pakistan should prefer engaging with regional players to formulate a consensus based regional counter terrorism strategy.
