ISLAMABAD : The recent military and diplomatic developments between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, culminating in a new Doha agreement, mark a critical turning point. Pakistan has acted with magnanimity and also asserted its national security interests with clarity and strength while offering an opportunity for regional stability brokered with the support of Qatar and Turkey.
- This is a highly positive development. It has been welcomed across all sectors of Pakistani society and also by Afghans public who are desperate for lasting peace after being trapped for years in a brutal cycle of war.
- Pakistan’s role has been outstanding, marked by clear strategy and effective action under visionary leadership that took decisive steps to protect national interests.
- Diplomacy works only when backed by strength. Pakistan’s display of military resolve and political clarity forced the Afghan Taliban to return to the negotiating table.
- Both Turkey and Qatar, two brotherly nations with deep cultural, religious, and historical linkages to Pakistan, played a positive and stabilizing role in de-escalating the recent Pakistan–Afghanistan border tensions.
- Pakistan appreciates the constructive mediation of Turkey and the diplomatic support of Qatar, whose sincere efforts led to a ceasefire and paved the way for the upcoming Istanbul dialogue on terrorism, migration, and border security for lasting peace.
- At Doha, Pakistan negotiated from a position of strength, with demands based on clear legal and moral principles, not vague rhetoric or wishful thinking.
- Pakistan never wanted hostility with the Afghan Taliban. The recent conflict came as a direct result of the Taliban’s repeated refusal to acknowledge or act on Pakistan’s genuine security concerns.
- This episode has made it absolutely clear to the Taliban that Pakistan will no longer accept the status quo where Afghan soil is used to launch attacks on Pakistan and the Taliban deny involvement while turning a blind eye to terrorist groups like TTP and BLA.
- In response to recent terrorist attacks, Pakistan took targeted military action, striking known terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan. This has sent a strong message that the real responsibility lies with those sheltering and supporting these terrorists.
- The Afghan Taliban have now been made direct stakeholders in Pakistan’s security. If any terrorist attack is launched from Afghan territory, the Taliban will be held directly responsible for their continued support or inaction against TTP, BLA and other groups. It is now their duty to dismantle these networks.
- This is the first bilateral agreement between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban since original Doha Accord with US. The new agreement is the result of the Taliban’s failure to live up to their previous commitments under that accord.
- The recent events clearly highlight repeated breaches of the original Doha Accord by the Afghan Taliban especially their failure to prevent their territory from being used against neighboring countries.
- The involvement of Qatar and Turkey as guarantors of this new deal is a critical and welcome step. Their presence adds political weight and opens the door for joint action if the Taliban once again fail to fulfill their commitments.
- Pakistan has now internationalized the issue of anti-Pakistan terrorists being sheltered in Afghanistan. By involving Turkey and Qatar, two key Muslim countries, Pakistan has made them stakeholders in the effort to eliminate terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
- From now on, all aspects of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations like trade, border movement, economic cooperation will depend on one single condition – removal of all anti-Pakistan terror groups from Afghan territory.
- Afghan Taliban’s past record of keeping their promises is not encouraging. Therefore, Pakistan must remain alert, develop a unified national approach and continue to push this issue on international forums. A strong military posture must be maintained at all times.
- The understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan will narrow the space for India’s proxy operations in Afghanistan, which have long exploited Afghan soil to undermine Pakistan’s security. Pakistan needs to remain vigilant as India has been deeply hurt with this initiative.
- This agreement sends a strong message to both allies and adversaries that Pakistan will not tolerate terrorism and will not allow its territorial sovereignty to be violated with impunity.
- Moving forward, Pakistan must monitor implementation closely, demand regular progress updates through Qatar and Turkey and be prepared to act diplomatically and militarily if commitments are broken again.
- The world is watching. This is an opportunity for Pakistan to shape a new regional security framework, centered on mutual accountability, zero tolerance for terror sanctuaries and a clear message – “Peace is welcome, but not at the cost of Pakistan’s security”.
