Pakistan’s stance towards Afghanistan is not primarily about terrorism but rather the Taliban’s behavior in Kabul, noted a report. The Taliban’s independent actions, including refusal to follow instructions and rejection of expected roles, have irked Pakistan. The report highlighted that Pakistan’s military historically preferred manageable wars with compliant proxies and obedient violence along the western frontier.
Junaid S Ahmed, from the Centre for the Study of Islam and Decolonization, pointed out that Pakistan’s military is facing a challenge with the Taliban’s autonomy. The military is accustomed to control and struggles with the loss of it, resorting to what is perceived as a security crisis but is essentially a loss of authority. The report emphasized the military’s view of Pashtuns as a controllable population, linking them to Afghanistan’s defiance and internal instability.
The report further delved into how the Pakistani authorities view Pashtuns, considering them as a manageable group through force. Military operations in certain regions are described as disciplinary performances rather than counterterrorism efforts. Villages are destroyed, displacement is normalized, and the suffering of the people often goes unnoticed by the authorities.
The narrative of Pashtun resistance being a cultural reflex rather than a political response serves to shift responsibility away from the central authorities. However, Pashtun regions have endured securitized governance, marked by collective punishment and economic neglect. The military’s frustration towards Pashtuns has been escalating, especially in light of the tensions with Afghanistan. Cross-border actions are labeled as self-defense but are seen as political diversions.
