The illusion of agreement
The recent breakdown of peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul has once again highlighted the gap between verbal assurances and written commitments. The Afghan delegation readily agreed to most of Pakistan’s concerns in words, but when the moment came to sign a document, hesitation prevailed. It soon became clear that the team sitting across the table lacked both independence and authority; their instructions came not only from Kabul but also from New Delhi.
Pakistan’s legitimate stance
Islamabad’s position remains clear and legitimate: the Afghan soil must not be used as a safe haven by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or any group involved in subversive activities against Pakistan. This is not an unreasonable demand; it is a basic principle of international law and sovereign responsibility. No country can accept that its neighbour’s territory be used for violence within its borders.
History of sacrifice and misplaced hostility
For over four decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, offered them shelter, education, and livelihood, and spoken for them on global platforms. Yet the same neighbour now shelters militants who attack Pakistan. Reports of Kabul acquiring missile systems and technical support from India raise further concerns about where Afghan loyalties truly lie.
Need for measured firmness
Pakistan now faces a crucial policy test. Emotional reactions or military adventurism will only add to the chaos. The correct response lies in measured firmness—a blend of diplomatic pressure, regional coordination, and economic leverage. A temporary tightening of border controls and a review of Afghan transit trade could serve as an effective reminder that Pakistan’s goodwill is not unconditional.
Regional cooperation as leverage
At the same time, Islamabad must engage Iran, China, Turkey, and Qatar to create a joint regional consensus. Iran, too, faces the consequences of Afghan instability. A coordinated diplomatic and economic approach could place Kabul under meaningful pressure, isolating any government that refuses to curb terrorism on its soil. History has shown that diplomatic isolation can be more persuasive than threats of war.
Distinguishing people from policymakers
Pakistan must also differentiate between the Afghan people and their leadership. The common Afghan remains trapped between poverty and political manipulation. Islamabad’s humanitarian door should remain open for ordinary Afghans but closed for those who misuse it to export instability. This distinction will preserve Pakistan’s moral and diplomatic credibility.
Why war is not an answer
Calls for a military response must be weighed against strategic realities. Afghanistan’s rugged terrain and scattered population make conventional warfare futile. Pakistan, on the other hand, is an emerging economy—its cities, bridges, industries, and universities represent investments worth billions. A large-scale conflict would only inflict asymmetric damage, leaving Pakistan to bear the heavier cost. True strength lies not in destruction but in discipline.
India’s hidden hand
Kabul must realise that India’s friendship is transactional. New Delhi’s only objective is to keep Pakistan’s western border unstable to reduce pressure on its eastern front. If Afghan leaders genuinely value Islamic brotherhood and regional stability, they must resist becoming instruments of another nation’s agenda.
The way forward
Pakistan’s strategy should now rest on four pillars:
Border control to prevent cross-border infiltration.
Diplomatic pressure through consistent engagement.
Regional coordination with neighbouring allies.
Global exposure of Afghan duplicity at international forums.
Islamabad must present credible evidence to the United Nations and other institutions showing how Afghan territory is being used to destabilise Pakistan.
Conclusion: strength through patience
The failure of the Istanbul talks is not the end of diplomacy; it is a reminder that peace cannot be built on rhetoric. It requires sincerity, responsibility, and courage to honour one’s commitments. Pakistan must remain calm yet resolute, strong yet diplomatic.
Real strength does not come from retaliation—it comes from strategic wisdom. The sooner Kabul recognises this, the better it will be for the future of both nations and for the peace of the region.