Engineer Omair
Before the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, it was widely believed that there were more than ten terrorist groups operating within the country. Therefore, it was argued that negotiating exclusively with the Taliban would not yield any meaningful results. These sentiments were voiced by numerous politicians who were opposed to resolving the issue in Afghanistan.
However, it was definite that ISIS was also active in Afghanistan alongside the Taliban. Some political figures repeatedly asserted that the previous National Directorate of Security (NDS) facilitated ISIS operations.
This became even clearer when the Taliban seized control of Kabul. It became clear that ISIS had established significant strongholds in key locations, particularly in Kabul and Nangarhar. The Taliban took a firm stance against ISIS, as there was no sanctuaries for ISIS-Khawarijs in Afghanistan. Consequently, these elements sought refuge in neighboring countries.
I must mention that individuals in our region who were accused of having ties with Daesh began flocking to Pakistan.
When the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan, some neighboring nations, particularly Pakistan, expressed satisfaction with their rule. Pakistan extensively discussed Afghanistan in various political gatherings. Officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeatedly advocated for Afghanistan’s recognition in international conferences and the lifting of asset bans on Afghan nationals. They also provided numerous recommendations.
At that time, many political analysts and social media activists viewed these actions by Pakistan in a negative light, labeling them as deceptive tactics. However, this matter became even more apparent when the Taliban responded negatively to the demands of the Pakistani authorities. The Pakistani authorities did not anticipate such a clear rejection from the Taliban.
The Pakistani authorities made extensive efforts to persuade the Taliban and exerted various pressures on them to accept Pakistan’s nefarious demands. In contrast to Pakistan’s past, the Pakistani authorities consistently referred to Afghanistan as the hub of terrorist groups in international conferences. Consequently, the fact that Pakistan lost its political standing at the international level did not yield any significant results.
Pakistani officials, particularly Pakistani intelligence, did not remain passive. They commenced efforts to transfer individuals engaged in military activities, especially those affiliated with Daesh, against the Taliban.
These efforts included operations targeting Afghan border forces and repeated actions and shootings in border areas, all aimed at paving the way for the transfer of ISIS to Afghanistan.
However, the officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan were fully aware of this cunning action and intelligence plan. They issued an order to construct new posts and facilities in the border areas. Consequently, this plot failed. The Pakistani authorities then abruptly decided to forcibly expel Afghan refugees.
The Afghan authorities swiftly recognized, based on intelligence information, that individuals opposed to the regime might be relocated. Consequently, the Islamic Emirate initiated the necessary measures, including initiating the process of biometrics for all refugees. Suspicious individuals were identified and apprehended.
We must also acknowledge that these concerns were not in vain. Numerous individuals were apprehended who were trained against the system and had specific goals.
It is crucial to note that the statements made by former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson, Ehsanullah Ehsan, are not baseless. In his remarks, he revealed Pakistan’s attempt to transfer ISIS into Afghanistan.
Several high-ranking Taliban officials confirmed this to me. However, in my opinion, the moderate politics of the Taliban are evident in their restrained reaction. They seek to maintain friendly relations with all nations, as it is in the best interest of Afghanistan and all countries involved.
Why did Pakistan transform its optimism about the Taliban into such a profound and delicate hostility? Stay tuned for our next analytical article to find the answer to this question.
