Afghanistan and Pakistan; Brothers in Faith and History Versus TTP-RAW Nexus

Afghanistan and Pakistan, two neighboring nations, share a deep-rooted history of brotherhood,cultural affinity and mutual support. These bonds have not only shaped their bilateral relations but also underscored the stark contrast with India’s duplicity in its treatment of Muslims and foreign policy.

The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is not merely a matter of geographical proximity; it is a profound connection that spans centuries. The cultural and historical ties between these two nations are rich and varied. From shared traditions to common historical experiences, the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan have closed relations with each other.These bonds are evident in their festivals, languages and even everyday customs. Both countries have walked hand in hand through thick and thin.

Afghanistan and Pakistan share a 2,240 km common border. This border has not only facilitated trade and travel but has also allowed for the exchange of cultural and social norms, further strengthening their bond. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan being Muslims countries practice Islam,which serves as a strong foundation for their relationship. This shared faith has been a source of solidarity, guiding their social, cultural and political interactions.

Ethnic groups such as the Pashtuns and Baloch are present in both countries, creating a natural bridge for social and familial ties. These groups often have familial connections across the border, reinforcing the sense of kinship. The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is marked by numerous positive interactions and collaborative efforts. Pakistan has played a crucial role in developing infrastructure in Afghanistan, including roads and border facilities. These developments have enhanced trade,travel and connectivity, benefiting both countries economically and socially.

For over four decades, Pakistan has been one of the largest refugee-hosting countries globally,sheltering millions of Afghan refugees. As of late 2023, Pakistan hosts around 3.1 million Afghans, including 1.7 million without legal documentation. The country has extended access to public health and education services to these refugees, demonstrating remarkable hospitality despite the significant burden it places on its resources.

Despite facing its own economic and social challenges, Pakistan has generously provided protection, education and health services to millions of Afghan refugees. Pakistan has provided educational facilities and scholarships to Afghan students, enabling them to pursue higher education and vocational training. This support has been instrumental in building human capital and fostering closer ties between the two nations. Pakistan has extended medical aid and treatment to Afghans, including healthcare services and the establishment of medical facilities in Afghanistan. These efforts have improved health outcomes and demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to the well-being of its neighbor. The trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan has seen significant growth, with efforts to enhance bilateral trade through improved trade and transit facilities. This economic cooperation has the potential to connect South Asia with Central Asia, fostering regional development and prosperity.

While Afghanistan and Pakistan work towards mutual benefit, India’s actions paint a contrasting picture. India’s foreign policy and internal practices reveal a double standard,particularly in its treatment of Muslims and diplomatic stance. Despite signing a 10-year defence cooperation roadmap with Israel in 2021, India’s diplomatic stance remains ambiguous. While advocating for peace and supporting ceasefire resolutions,India continues to export arms to Israel, showcasing a complex and often contradictory foreign policy. Indian companies have been implicated in exporting significant quantities of weaponry to Israel,including rocket motors and explosives. This arms trade underscores India’s involvement in the genocide of Palestinians and Israel-Palestine conflict, contradicting its public calls for peace.

Within its own borders, India’s treatment of Muslims is alarming. Various laws and policies have systematically marginalized the Muslim population, reflecting entrenched discrimination and bias.The CAA, enacted in 2019, provides a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, while excluding Muslims. This law has been widely criticized for institutionalizing religious discrimination. When combined with the CAA, the NRC poses a significant risk of rendering many Muslims stateless if they fail to provide sufficient documentation. This combination is seen as an attempt to further marginalize the Muslim population.

The abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019 in IIOJK also marked a significant shift in the status of Jammu and Kashmir, effectively stripping the region of its special autonomy. This move has undermined democratic freedoms and led to heightened military presence, restrictions on communication and detentions of political leaders, severely impacting the civil liberties and human rights of Kashmiris. Moreover, the Indian government has banned several Muslim organizations, accusing them of involvement in terrorist activities. This crackdown is viewed as part of a broader strategy to target Muslim groups under the pretext of national security.

Human Rights Watch and other organizations have reported on India’s discriminatory laws and policies that stigmatize Muslims and limit their socio-economic opportunities. These actions have exacerbated the marginalization of the Muslim community not only within Indiabut in IIOJK as well, painting a grim picture of India’s human rights record.

India’s actions have also affected its relationship with Afghanistan, particularly in the realm of education. Following the establishment of IEA rule, India significantly restricted visa issuance to Afghan students, leaving many unable to resume their studies and disrupting their futures. Many Afghan students found their visas revoked as India does not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government. This has placed Afghan students in a difficult position, feeling abandoned and struggling to continue their education.

As we reflect on the intricate web of relationships in South Asia, it becomes evident that the bond between Afghanistan and Pakistan stands as a testament to brotherhood and mutual support. In stark contrast, India’s duplicity in its foreign policy and brutal treatment of Muslims not only in India but in IIOJK and Palestine raises critical questions about its commitment to peace and equality. How could a country with its history of brutalities against Muslims could be a well-wisher and friend of Afghanistan where IEA is in rule.

Terrorists of TTP who escaped to Afghanistan after successful military conducted by Pakistan’s security forces on its soil to root out the menace of terrorism from the country, have once again started launching terrorist attacks inside Pakistan while using the soil of Afghanistan. The recent arrest of TTP commander Nasrullah, alias Maulvi Mansoor alongwith his aide Idris, alias Irshad by security agencies after a successful operation in Balochistan led to significant revelations about TTP’s connections with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The arrested commander confessed to receiving support and guidance from RAW, which has been implicated in providing financial assistance and strategic planning to the TTP. This collaboration is aimed at destabilizing Pakistan, particularly through orchestrating terrorist attacks and fostering unrest. These confessions have once again proved that India is using proxy forces to undermine not only the security and sovereignty of Pakistan but also disrupting regional peace. The Afghan people, particularly the leadership of IEA, must carefully consider which path aligns with their values and interests. Will they lean towards a supportive neighbour like Pakistan, or align with a nation that has consistently marginalized Muslim population within India, involved in heinous crimes against Kashmiri people in IIOJK, provided ammunition to Israel for mass killing of Palestinians and also using proxies to destabilize Pakistan and disrupt regional peace to avoid establishment of brotherly and friendly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan?