By Qamar Bashir
In a recent national TV interview, Pakistan’s Prime Minister showcased a
remarkable blend of clarity and professionalism while addressing a host of critical
issues facing the nation. His articulate and persuasive style left no room for
ambiguity, shedding light on the complexities of Pakistan’s evolving relationship
with its neighbor, Afghanistan. He provided insights, with a particular focus on
Pakistan’s stance on Tehrik-e-Taliban and the challenges posed by illegal Afghan
immigrants.
The Prime Minister candid discussion on the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
issue was both enlightening and pragmatic. He refrained from making any rash
decisions regarding pursuing TTP terrorists into Afghan territory but affirmed
Pakistan unwavering commitment to defending its own territory. To understand
this nuanced approach, we must acknowledge the deep-rooted historical and
cultural ties that TTP has with its Afghan counterparts.
TTP and Afghan Taliban share a common history, having fought together against
the Russian invasion and later against Allied forces. TTP and similar groups adhere
to an extremist interpretation of Islam and seek to establish a strict Islamic state,
often using violence to achieve these goals. Their shared philosophy, ethnicity,
language, and cultural bonds have forged a strong connection.
Recognizing these intricacies is crucial when developing a response to either the
TTP or the Afghan Government in light of the Doha Agreement. Pakistan rightly
demands that Afghanistan adheres to its commitment to prevent terrorists from
using Afghan soil to attack other countries.
The Prime Minister astutely pointed out that the Afghan government remains in an
interim and arguably illegitimate state, with rudimentary governance structures and
communication mechanisms. This informality in governance has led to various
local commanders and tribal chieftains exercising significant autonomy, sometimes
sheltering TTP terrorists and aiding their nefarious activities within Pakistan.
Pakistan's response to these challenges requires careful consideration of these
factors.
The Prime Minister himself, being of Pathan heritage, possesses an innate
understanding of the Afghan, TTP, and similar groups. He is well aware of their
attitudinal, psychological makeup, and their unwavering commitment to certain
ideologies. Pathans, when committed to an idea or philosophy, are notoriously
difficult to dissuade by kinetic force. Their resilience, adaptability, and
determination make them formidable adversaries.
Moreover, Pathans can endure the harshest conditions with minimal resources,
rendering them highly resilient. The adherents of the TTP, typically impoverished,
have little to lose, which makes them more willing to engage in violence. They
possess a deep-seated commitment to their cause, making it challenging to
disassociate them through force.
Adding to the complexity, the TTP now possesses state-of-the-art weaponry left
behind by the departing Allied forces in Afghanistan. The United States, during its
2021 withdrawal, left approximately $7 billion worth of military equipment and
weapons, including firearms, communications gear, and armored vehicles. The
Taliban seized this arsenal after the fall of the Western-backed Afghan
government, significantly bolstering their military capabilities.
Regrettably, some of this American military gear and weaponry have found their
way into neighboring Pakistan, where they are utilized by armed groups, including
the TTP. This influx of U.S. weapons has enhanced the TTP's capacity and
emboldened ethnic Baluch separatist groups in Pakistan, leading to a surge in
violence.
The United States Institute of Peace has noted a "robust and growing black market"
for U.S. weapons in Pakistan, with armed groups obtaining advanced U.S.
weaponry and equipment like M16 machine guns, M4 assault rifles, night-vision
goggles, and military communication gear. These sophisticated weapons have had
a "terrifying" impact, especially on the under-equipped Pakistani police force.
the wake of acquiring advanced weaponry, TTP's attacks in Pakistan have
escalated since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. According to the Pakistan
InInstitute of Peace Studies (PIPS), terrorist attacks in Pakistan increased by 27
percent last year compared to 2021. These attacks claimed the lives of at least 419
people and left 734 injured in 262 incidents. TTP's use of sniper rifles with thermal
scopes has given them a distinct advantage, enabling pinpoint accuracy even in the
dark.
These enhanced night vision goggles and weaponry have enabled the militants to
carry out sophisticated attacks, particularly on security checkpoints along
Pakistan's western border with Afghanistan. The situation poses a serious threat,
especially in areas that were previously relatively peaceful and less prone to
violence.
The Pentagon has conveyed to the U.S. government that retrieving the material left
in Afghanistan is currently unrealistic, given that the United States does not
recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government. The Taliban, however, denies
supplying U.S. weapons to TTP fighters and instead blames former members of
Afghanistan's security forces for selling arms on the black market after the fall of
the internationally recognized government in Kabul.
In Pakistan, the black market has become inundated with U.S. weapons since the
Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. These weapons are known for their excellent
quality and lethality, attracting buyers from various quarters. A U.S.-made M4
assault rifle in good condition can be purchased for approximately $1,400, while
military communication gear like Harris Engineering Falcon Three Radios is
available for around $3,500. Some of these weapons have also fallen into the hands
of criminals, giving them an edge over civilian law enforcement agencies, which
are equipped with outdated and less lethal weaponry.
This influx of advanced weaponry into Pakistan has made the TTP a formidable
adversary, one that follows no rules, respects no territorial boundaries, and is
completely committed to a toxic ideology. They now possess lethal weapons and
are well-equipped to carry out their activities with deadly precision. On the other
hand, Pakistan's security agencies operate within the constraints of local, national,
and international laws, respecting the territorial boundaries of neighboring
Afghanistan.
Given these challenges, Pakistan has adopted a cautious and prudent approach. It
has employed economic measures to encourage the Afghan Interim Government to
act responsibly and honor its commitments under various bilateral and
international agreements. Pakistan has wisely closed smuggling routes and border
crossings, with the closure of the Torkham border crossing being particularly
significant. Pakistan is likely to extend this embargo until Afghanistan takes
concrete steps to rein in the TTP.
The Prime Minister's caution regarding illegal Afghan immigrants on Pakistani soil
is well-founded. There are over 50 million Afghans in Pakistan, with only 2.8
million of them registered. This massive undocumented population poses
significant challenges to national security and resources. The Prime Minister has
categorically stated that all illegal Afghan immigrants in Pakistan will be identified
and repatriated through due legal processes.
Addressing the acts of terrorism by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from
Afghanistan into Pakistan requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex
web of historical, geopolitical, and socio-economic factors.
Furthermore, Pakistan should exercise caution and not be ensnared by the Afghan
Government's proposals. The Afghan Government has persistently suggested that
since they lack authority over the TTP, Pakistan should engage in direct
negotiations with the Taliban. Pakistan, in a gesture of goodwill, previously
acceded to this suggestion, allowing TTP fighters and committed adherents to
relocate to various regions within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces and
Northern areas. However, this move inadvertently provided the TTP with an
opportunity to regroup and activate their sleeper cells, leading to an escalation of
their nefarious activities across the country.
Simultaneously, the government should address this issue with the U.S.
government and its allies, stressing the need to provide compensation to Pakistan
and its security agencies for the loss of lives, damage to property, and the
economic losses incurred as a result of the conflict. Pakistan has borne the brunt of
the war waged on its soil by weapons left behind. It is imperative that the
international community supports Pakistan by enhancing the capabilities of its
security forces with improved weaponry and providing essential training to
effectively counter attacks launched by the TTP and other criminal elements armed
with such advanced weaponry.
In conclusion, Pakistan's approach reflects a commitment to safeguard its national
interests while seeking peaceful resolutions to complex challenges. In a rapidly
evolving regional landscape, Pakistan's clarity and pragmatism are key to ensuring
stability and prosperity for its people and the broader region.
Addressing these root causes requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged
approach, including efforts to improve governance, economic development,
education, and security in the affected regions.
Diplomatic initiatives that aim to reduce the conflict in Afghanistan and enhance
cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan are also crucial.
Additionally, international collaboration to disrupt external support for militant
groups and strengthen border security measures is essential to mitigate the threat
posed by TTP and similar organizations.
