The New Lines international media outlet reports that Pakistan is quietly pursuing to recruit new proxy groups in Afghanistan.
The article notes Islamabad’s efforts to renew ties with opponents of the Afghan government, including Yasin Zia, leader of the Freedom Front, and Dawood Naji, both considered most likely to receive Pakistani support.
New Lines reports that Pakistan has quietly reached out to Afghan opposition figures and even hosted them in early October.
The paper notes that mounting tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have created an opportunity for the Freedom Front, led by Yasin Zia, to benefit from Pakistan’s backing. Rumors also suggest that Zia has opened an office in Pakistan.
In his analysis, the author suggests that security under Afghan government control appears more stable than in previous years, while the Taliban have also made significant political advances.
More recently, Islamabad has asked Kabul for security guarantees. At the same time, however, Pakistani territory has served as a safe haven for groups opposing the Afghan government, including ISIS.
