Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 13/Jul 22:37

TTP: An Instigating Menace For Pakistan – OpEd

Amid escalating tensions with Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stark warning, emphasizing the country's readiness to launch cross-border attacks if necessary. This declaration comes in response to growing security concerns and accusations that Afghan territory is being used to harbor militants targeting Pakistan. Asif's comments underscore the delicate balance Pakistan must maintain between defending its sovereignty and navigating complex regional dynamics. In a recent interview, Asif stressed that Pakistan's sovereignty is paramount, indicating that cross-border military action could be considered to protect national interests. He argued that the use of Afghan soil to export terrorism, with militants receiving protection and safe havens, is a violation of international norms. Asif's firm stance highlights the gravity of the security threat posed by militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Asif unequivocally rejected the possibility of negotiating with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an armed group responsible for numerous attacks in Pakistan. “There is no chance of a dialogue with them. What do we talk about, we need to have a common ground to speak to them,” he stated. This uncompromising position reflects Pakistan's frustration with the persistent threat posed by the TTP and the perceived lack of cooperation from the Afghan Taliban. In response to the escalating violence, Pakistan has launched a renewed military operation named Azm-e-Istehkam. This initiative aims to curb the surge in attacks since the TTP unilaterally ended a ceasefire in November 2022. Founded in 2007, the TTP has been a significant security challenge for Pakistan, advocating for the reversal of the merger of the northwestern tribal regions with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the imposition of stricter Islamic laws. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of providing safe havens to the TTP, facilitating their cross-border attacks. These accusations have intensified since the Afghan Taliban took power in August 2021. The Taliban, however, denies these allegations, further complicating the already strained relations between the two countries. Despite these challenges, Pakistan continues to engage diplomatically with Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open channels of communication. The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly in recent years, marked by frequent border skirmishes and closures of border crossings. In March 2023, Pakistan conducted air strikes inside Afghan territory in retaliation for attacks that killed seven soldiers in Pakistan’s North Waziristan district. The Afghan interim government condemned these strikes, claiming they targeted ordinary Afghan homes and criticizing Pakistan’s actions as reckless. Despite the rising tensions, Pakistan remains committed to diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, also serving as deputy prime minister, reiterated this commitment during a recent speech in the National Assembly. Dar announced plans for a delegation to attend United Nations-hosted talks with the Afghan Taliban in Doha, Qatar, highlighting that Afghanistan remains a top priority for Pakistan. Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in violence over the past 18 months, with more than 700 attacks reported in 2023 alone, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths, primarily among law enforcement personnel. Despite numerous high-level visits to Kabul, including those by Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Nadeem Anjum, mutual distrust between the two nations persists, complicating efforts to address security concerns. The close relationship and shared ideology between the TTP and the Afghan Taliban pose significant challenges to resolving the security issue. Valle points out that the Afghan Taliban's reluctance to act against the TTP is rooted in their ideological alignment and historical ties. This dynamic makes it difficult to envision a scenario where the Afghan Taliban would take decisive action against the TTP. The escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan highlight the complex and precarious nature of their relationship. While Pakistan’s firm stance on sovereignty and security is understandable, the potential consequences of military operations on diplomatic relations and internal stability cannot be ignored. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for both nations to navigate these challenges carefully, prioritizing dialogue and cooperation to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region. In conclusion, Pakistan’s approach to addressing security threats from Afghan-based militants must balance the need to protect its sovereignty with the imperative of maintaining regional stability. Effective engagement with Afghanistan and targeted policy measures are essential to mitigating the risks and fostering a more secure environment for both nations.