FOR years, Pakistan has pursued a policy of patience, engagement and regional cooperation in dealing with security challenges emerging from Afghanistan. The current tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border did not emerge suddenly; they are the consequence of a prolonged security challenge in which Pakistan exhausted every diplomatic avenue, repeatedly sought cooperation from Afghan authorities and demonstrated remarkable restraint, but was ultimately forced to act in defence of its sovereignty and citizens against terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil.

After the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan adopted a cautious and constructive approach. While many international actors reduced their engagement with Afghanistan, Islamabad continued diplomatic outreach and supported efforts aimed at preventing economic collapse and humanitarian instability in its neighboring country. Pakistan maintained that a stable Afghanistan was essential not........

© Pakistan Observer