Unveiling Pakistan’s Duplicity in the War on Terrorism: From Opposition to NATO to Bombing Afghanistan

Unveiling Pakistan’s Duplicity in the War on Terrorism: From Opposition to NATO to Bombing Afghanistan

In the convoluted realm of counter terrorism efforts in South Asia, Pakistan’s role has been a subject of scrutiny and controversy. Over the years, Pakistan’s stance has seemingly shifted from opposing NATO’s pursuit of terrorists within its borders to engaging in military actions across the border in Afghanistan. This apparent duplicity raises significant questions about Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism and its broader strategic objectives in the region.

For much of the post-9/11 era, #Pakistan found itself at the centre of global efforts to combat terrorism. As an ally in the U.S.-led War on Terror, Pakistan initially pledged support and cooperation, allowing NATO forces to operate within its borders in pursuit of terrorist elements. However, this partnership was marred by accusations of double-dealing and selective cooperation.

Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), faced allegations of maintaining ties with extremist groups, including the Taliban and Haqqani network, to further its own strategic interests in neighbouring Afghanistan. While ostensibly supporting the fight against terrorism, Pakistan’s security establishment was accused of playing a double game, simultaneously providing sanctuary to militant proxies while ostensibly combating terrorism.

This duplicity came to the forefront when NATO forces, frustrated by the resilience of insurgent groups operating from Pakistan’s tribal regions, conducted unilateral strikes and drone operations within Pakistani territory. Pakistan vehemently opposed these incursions, citing violations of sovereignty and inflaming anti-American sentiment among its populace. Despite pressure from the international community, Pakistan resisted concerted efforts to dismantle militant networks operating within its borders.

Fast forward to the present day, and the tables appear to have turned. Pakistan, once wary of NATO incursions into its territory, now finds itself conducting military operations across the border in Afghanistan. The recent bombing of eastern #Afghanistan, ostensibly targeting militant hideouts, underscores Pakistan’s evolving approach to counter terrorism.

The shift in Pakistan’s tactics can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Pakistan’s security calculus has evolved in response to changing geopolitical dynamics, including the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan. With the impending vacuum in Afghanistan, Pakistan seeks to assert its influence and safeguard its interests by preemptively targeting perceived threats across the border.

Secondly, Pakistan’s internal security landscape has also influenced its strategic calculations. The resurgence of militant activity within its borders, particularly in the restive tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, has compelled Pakistan to adopt a more aggressive posture in combating terrorism. The bombing of Afghanistan can be viewed as an extension of Pakistan’s counterinsurgency efforts aimed at securing its volatile border regions.

Thirdly, and more importantly, many observers of Pakistan politics believe that the recent Pakistan attacks on Afghanistan is for the domestic political consumption’s and the Pakistan establishment and army is trying to shift the blame outside Pakistan and they are trying to unite the people of Pakistan to back the Pakistan establishment against an external foe. This observation appears more credible based on the fact that according to eye witness accounts that three women and as many children were killed in Paktika and a house collapsed while two women were killed in Khost, and Hafiz Gul Bahdur the TTP terrorist targeted released a video stating he is alive and he is in Pakistan. .

However, Pakistan’s newfound assertiveness in targeting militants across the border is not without controversy. Critics argue that Pakistan’s actions risk exacerbating tensions with Afghanistan and undermining prospects for peace and stability in the region. The unilateral nature of Pakistan’s military operations, conducted without coordination or consent from the Afghan government, further complicates efforts to foster trust and cooperation between the two countries.

Moreover, Pakistan’s history of supporting insurgent groups in Afghanistan raises doubts about the sincerity of its counter terrorism efforts. Sceptics argue that Pakistan’s military operations may be driven more by geopolitical calculations and strategic interests than a genuine commitment to combating terrorism.

In light of these concerns, the international community must carefully scrutinize Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its commitments to counter terrorism efforts. Efforts to promote regional stability and peace in Afghanistan require constructive engagement and cooperation from all stakeholders, including Pakistan. A transparent and inclusive approach, based on mutual respect and shared objectives, is essential to address the root causes of extremism and violence in the region.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s duplicity in the war on terrorism underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in combating extremist threats in South Asia. While military operations may disrupt militant networks in the short term, lasting peace and stability require addressing the underlying grievances and fostering genuine cooperation among all stakeholders. Only through concerted efforts and collective action can the scourge of #terrorism be effectively confronted and overcome.