The Af-Pak conflict flare-up has exposed unresolved border disputes and enduring mutual distrust — posing a serious threat to regional stability
Afghanistan is again in the news, and as always, not for the right reasons. A low level war, but war nevertheless, is raging on the Durand Line, the demarcation that divides Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was drawn by the colonial masters arbitrarily without taking into considerations the aspirations of the people. Pashtuns were divided by the international border but remained culturally united across the line. All along they have resisted Pakistan’s will to segregate them leading to violent protests and armed struggle. As Pakistan went into overdrive by carrying airstrikes, it became an international crisis with widespread ramifications. Though a 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan is in place but it is fragile peace. The clashes erupted after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghan territory — reportedly in Kandahar and Kabul — targeting hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Afghanistan retaliated by striking Pakistani border posts and capturing some positions.
The roots of this conflict run deep. Right from the very beginning, from Partition onward, Kabul has refused to recognise the Durand Line. Pakistan, in turn, has long harboured anxieties about “Pashtunistan” and fears that Afghan influence could stir discontent in its frontier belt. The Pakistani state has repeatedly accused the Afghan regime of sheltering TTP militants who periodically strike within Pakistan’s borders. Pakistan’s fears are not ill founded as Pashtun movement has been steadily growing on both sides of Durand line. Pakistan has dealt with Pashtun Tahafuz Movement with brute force. The escalation of hostalities may have been Pakistani airstrikes but the discontent has been simmering in the region for years. Pakistan’s designs of gaining “strategic leverage” in Afghanistan has not materialised adding to its frustration. When Taliban took over in 2021, Pakistan intelligence was upbeat that it would neutralise this dilemma but contrary to their expectations, it became even more pronounced. Kabul’s embrace of the TTP has resulted in a full blown war.
Though not directly connected to India, this war must not be overlooked, and the response must be measured and well calibrated. New Delhi must not see this conflict through the lens of its rivalry with Pakistan but as a regional flashpoint that can disrupt the whole region. India’s interest lies in a stable Afghanistan. Unstable Afghanistan means eventual superpower involvement which does not augur well for India’s sphere of influence in the region. Therefore India should engage with the Taliban regime and help bolster Afghanistan’s capacity in border management, and counterterrorism. India’s recent move to re-open its embassy in Kabul and host the Taliban foreign minister indicates a recalibration of policy. But deeper still, India should work to promote a mechanism that rules out the use of Afghan territory for hostile proxies, supports credible border monitoring, and ensures dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul. A prolonged war in the region is in nobody’s interest.
