By Abu Qasim
While the war between Iran and the United States continues, Pakistan’s political and military leadership has been portraying itself as a champion of peace by hosting negotiation tables in Islamabad. At the same time, however, Pakistan has continued to carry out airstrikes in various cities of neighbouring Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of not only Taliban fighters but also innocent civilian lives. This situation, according to reports and claims, continues to this day.
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is known as the Durand Line. According to historical records, this border was established in 1893 under an agreement between Sir Mortimer Durand, the representative of British India, and Afghan Amir Abdul Rahman Khan. For this reason, it came to be known as the Durand Line. Over the years, differences and disputes regarding this border have persisted between the two countries. Pakistan’s military has repeatedly been accused of violating this border and has often been viewed as seeking to expand its influence in areas surrounding it through the use of force.
As far as Afghanistan is concerned, it is widely regarded as a brave nation that not only knows how to fight for its rights but is also known for its loyalty to its friends and determination against its adversaries. It is noteworthy that the Afghan Taliban government has developed stronger and warmer relations with India than with Pakistan. One major reason for this is that whenever Afghanistan faced difficulties, India extended assistance in the fields of development and public welfare. The Parliament building in Afghanistan stands as an important example of this support. India invested billions of rupees in its construction so that the country’s leaders could better represent and serve the Afghan people.
In contrast, during the war between Afghanistan and the United States, Pakistan largely pursued its own interests and, in pursuit of financial gains and strategic benefits, appeared indifferent to the sacrifices made by the Afghan people. Following the establishment of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Pakistan reportedly expected to exert influence over what it perceived as an economically weaker neighbour. However, the Taliban leadership appears to have understood Pakistan’s intentions and instead chose to strengthen its relations with India. The Taliban rulers are fully aware that India is emerging as a major economic power, and they believe that closer ties with India could bring greater benefits and help the Afghan people overcome poverty and deprivation.
However, the growing friendship between Afghanistan and India has not been well received by Pakistan’s military and political leadership. Pakistan has accused the Taliban government of supporting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and thereby contributing to terrorism within Pakistan. The Pakistani military has carried out airstrikes in several Afghan cities, including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
On February 26, Pakistani forces reportedly crossed the Afghan border, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Afghan soldiers and civilians, while causing significant destruction to property and infrastructure. Through these actions, Pakistan attempted to pressure both the Taliban government and the Afghan people.
It is important to note that the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in these incidents were Muslims. Yet, to this day, no Muslim country has raised its voice in condemnation of these attacks or expressed meaningful solidarity with Afghanistan. This situation highlights what many perceive as a contradiction between the words and actions of Muslim nations around the world.
