Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban’s governance has been characterized by a “triple failure” in legitimacy, security, and welfare. As of early 2026, the regime has prioritised an extremist ideological agenda over national stability, leading to deepened regional isolation and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Persistent linkage of the Afghan Taliban ruling regime with banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has created a cycle of regional friction that severely undermines Afghanistan’s economic stability and internal security as of early 2026. This relationship, rooted in ideological fraternity and shared history, has led to increased border closures with Pakistan and international isolation, directly impacting the livelihoods of Afghan citizens The Taliban’s 2021 return to power reshaped regional security, providing a major boost to the banned TTP through the release of thousands of fighters and the provision of safe havens in eastern Afghanistan.

Despite Pakistani pressure, the Taliban government has not curtailed the TTP due to shared ideological ties and operational support from other groups like Al-Qaeda. The primary economic damage stems from the frequent disruption of trade routes with........

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