Ex-diplomat charts path for Pak-Afghan ties amid India’s growing influence

Pakistan must recalibrate its approach to Afghanistan by fostering diplomatic engagement, addressing security concerns, and managing India’s growing influence in the region, according to former Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.

Speaking in an in-depth interview with Nukta, Chaudhry, who served as Pakistan’s top diplomat from 2013 to 2017 and now heads the Islamabad-based Institute of Strategic Studies, outlined a comprehensive framework to mend strained ties with Kabul.

"Since our relations with India in the east have been tense since 1967, we didn't want Afghanistan to develop relations that would be against Pakistan," Chaudhry said. He explained that Islamabad's historical policy was rooted in preventing Afghan territory from being used for activities detrimental to Pakistan’s interests.

However, Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan’s current objective should be to treat Afghanistan as a sovereign state and prioritize pragmatic cooperation over unrealistic expectations of influence.

Strained relations with the Taliban

The relationship between Islamabad and the Taliban has deteriorated since the latter’s return to power in 2021. Pakistan had initially supported the Taliban during the U.S. withdrawal, hoping for a friendly regime.

"We thought a friendly government would benefit Pakistan, but our expectations weren’t fulfilled," Chaudhry admitted. He cited the Taliban’s failure to address cross-border terrorism, particularly from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as a significant factor in the strained ties.

Pakistan has been grappling with escalating TTP attacks, which have intensified since the Taliban reclaimed power. Chaudhry noted that the Taliban’s inaction on security concerns has led to disillusionment in Islamabad.

“The Taliban government is no longer a reliable partner… their domestic and international behavior has not improved, and they have failed to deliver on promises to curb militant activity.”

Broader regional security risks

Chaudhry highlighted the wider security implications of instability in Afghanistan, noting that every neighboring country faces threats from militant groups operating within its borders.

“Anti-China elements for Xinjiang, anti-Tajik elements for Tajikistan, and anti-state actors targeting Uzbekistan are all using Afghanistan as a base,” he explained. “Every neighbor has legitimate complaints about the environment the Taliban have created.”

Chaudhry acknowledged that Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Taliban has complicated its regional position. Reflecting on past warnings, he said, “Many critics had warned us that supporting them would backfire, and today we’re facing those consequences with the rise of the TTP.”

India's role in Afghanistan

India’s increasing diplomatic and developmental engagement in Afghanistan adds another layer of complexity. Chaudhry questioned the viability of an India-Taliban partnership, citing fundamental differences over governance and human rights.

“India used to criticize the Taliban’s harsh internal policies, especially their restrictions on women. How can they now form a partnership?” he asked.

However, Chaudhry cautioned that the Taliban might leverage ties with India to pressure Pakistan. “Their grievances with us over counter-TTP operations might push them towards India, but I believe such a partnership would remain limited in scope.”

Recalibrating Pakistan’s policy

Chaudhry called for a significant shift in Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan. He advised treating Afghanistan as a sovereign equal and avoiding historical patterns of interference.

“First, we must recognize them as an independent country. Don’t dream of a ‘friendly government.’ Conduct trade, address mutual security concerns, and develop equal relations,” he said.

Chaudhry urged a multi-pronged approach, including strengthening parliamentary, diplomatic, and cultural ties. He also emphasized resolving longstanding issues such as cross-border smuggling and the economic burden of hosting millions of Afghan refugees.

“For our own interests—border security, trade, and regional stability—we need good relations with Afghanistan,” he said. “We have deep cultural and linguistic ties, and these can be the foundation for better engagement.”

Regional implications

The former foreign secretary stressed that improved Pakistan-Afghanistan relations could help limit opportunities for other regional powers to exploit tensions.

While acknowledging India’s increasing role, Chaudhry suggested its partnership with the Taliban would likely be superficial. He argued that Pakistan’s focus should be on building trust with Afghanistan while ensuring that its territory is not used for hostile actions against Pakistan.

China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have also raised concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan soil. Chaudhry noted that addressing these regional security issues requires coordinated efforts, and Pakistan should lead the way by fostering pragmatic diplomacy.

A path forward

Chaudhry’s recommendations come at a critical time as Pakistan faces escalating security threats, economic challenges, and regional competition.

Reflecting on the need for a balanced approach, he concluded, “For our interests, we should continue trying to improve relations through all available channels. This pragmatic engagement is the only way forward.”

His remarks underline the urgency of reassessing Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan, balancing security needs with regional diplomacy, and mitigating the risks posed by growing Indian involvement in Kabul.