Afghanistan's Role in Regional Terrorism: A Looming Threat to Pakistan's Security

The killing of four Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants by Pakistani security forces recently once again highlighted Afghanistan’s role as a haven for terrorist groups. One of the neutralized militants was the son of an Afghan governor, thus proving beyond doubt that elements within the Interim Afghan Government (IAG) are still harbouring and supporting terrorist factions. Against this background, the development goes in tandem with several international reports of the United Nations that have constantly confirmed the existence of TTP, ISKP, and even AQIS in Afghanistan.

Terrorist sanctuaries of Afghanistan have been a long time destabilizing factor for Pakistan and rest of the region. Reports suggest that something disturbingly tragic has been witnessed; terrorist outfits are not just harbored but are also allowed to get ideology and logistics in terms of equipment, including ammunition and armed and trained terrorists for conducting cross-border raids into Pakistan. Even sometimes, reports indicated that AQIS was arming militants for supplying the same across for TTP to enhance the intensity of attack as seen at Chitral on September 2023.

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed its concern over this security threat, stating that the unbridled presence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan poses a threat to regional stability. Kabul had also assured Doha that these havens would be dismantled. However, the ground realities speak otherwise. Instead of dismantling these terrorist havens, Afghanistan has become a nerve center for anti-Pakistan militancy. The more independent these groups and the Afghan Taliban have become, the more operationally capable they become, and it has been the same threat that not only hits Pakistan but also the global security system.

Pakistan has witnessed terrorist attacks growing in intensity on Pakistani soil over the last one year. TTP and ISKP have attacked civilian and military installations. This is attributed to the porous nature of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The ambiance of terrorism in Afghanistan has allowed such organizations to carry out their evil doings, which has, in turn, resulted in a cycle of violence that Pakistan can no longer bear. Security forces have eliminated an Afghan national involved with the HGB group, yet another proof of Afghanistan’s involvement with the insurgency in Pakistan, in the recently conducted intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan. This is in light of relentless warning Pakistan has been issuing against the misuse of its soil for use as take-off base for terrorism, fully vindicated by the fact that nationals of Afghanistan carry out subversive activities within Pakistan’s borders.

It’s exposure completely to the great threat it has assumed the revised anti-terrorism policy- a policy which balances the engagement of its diplomatic with hard hitting military punches. Islamabad followed up the IAG for taking strong measures against groups which are using their territories for the purpose of terrorists. Pakistan asked the Afghan Taliban to stand by their commitments engraved in the Doha Agreement, not letting the territories of yours be used in any attack against neighbors. The country has strongly maintained its historic and cultural affinity with Afghanistan but also consistently conveyed the message that it is not a bottomless well of patience. But when the diplomatic avenues fail to deliver, Pakistan’s security forces have taken the initiative. Recent targeted operations in North Waziristan and Dera Ismail Khan have successfully busted TTP cells and sent out a very clear message that Pakistan will not allow terrorist sanctuaries to remain unchecked. The continuous military pressure has left the terrorist networks on the back foot, struggling to survive instead of planning their next attacks.

Terrorist havens in Afghanistan have been an open security threat not only for Pakistan but for the entire region. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has time and again raised this issue by pointing out that these groups function with open disdain for Islam, Pashtun culture, and humanitarian practices. Recent attacks by TTP on the families of security personnel in Dera Ismail Khan, where women, children, and elders were terrorized, speak volumes about the inhumanity of this group. Perverted religious principles have been used by these self-proclaimed “fighters of Islam” to justify their reign of terror, going to prove that their agenda is driven by violence rather than faith.

It now becomes the prime moment for Pakistan against regional terrorism. A newfound focus on a combination of political engagement and militancy by Islamabad means it shall not let violators of sovereignty get away this time. And now, to make a crucial choice, lie the Afghan Taliban: either implement effective action against these terrorist forces or risk going further into the isolation as the international community in unison takes more assertive steps against that threat.

As Pakistan continues on that path, it’s clear to all: there are no hiding places for terrorists-be it in Afghanistan or anywhere else. Terrorism would not only be Pakistan’s battle but would also become an issue of common regional and international concerns.