Pakistan is a neighbor of Afghanistan, but this neighboring relationship has never ended well and has always been a hotbed of provocations and clashes between the two sides. Just as the country’s government has lacked significant stability and establishment domestically and in its national affairs in recent years, it has also been in constant turmoil and conflict in its interactions with neighboring countries, always preferring destruction and devastation; oblivious to the fact that its own survival and longevity are hanging by a thread, its policies and decisions are approved and implemented from elsewhere, and the main role is played by non-native actors.
In any case, the evil eye of this country has always been locked on Afghanistan, and like a viper, it has poured its venom into its body; it has never entered Afghanistan thru the gate of true and heartfelt peace and reconciliation, nor has it wanted to act honestly with it, examine the right options, and become each other’s strong arms; rather, the efforts to destabilize the region and border points and to launch tension-inducing clashes have been the result of this proximity.
On the other hand, considering the establishment of the new government’s rule in Afghanistan, the passage of over four years since its independence, and the flight of the Republic era’s politicians, Pakistan has made a wrong decision at this sensitive stage by supporting the Afghan opponents against the Islamic Emirate and seemingly backing them.
A decision that could adversely affect regional equations, create chaos, and pour the water of tension and war into the mills of enemies, while also worsing situation within that country, dividing the nation into several pro and con factions, and weakening the shaky foundations.
On the other hand, given Pakistan’s internal turmoil, its fragmented nation, and even the uprising of opposition groups against the then government, it was not an opportune time for Pakistan to intervene in Afghanistan’s internal affairs and, by supporting and inciting its opponents, further tarnish its image and worsen relations; a decision that even Zalmay Khalilzad considered hasty, bad-considered, and a blatant interference by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s affairs.
Even some Pakistani analysts considered the Pakistani government’s decision incorrect and unjustified, calling it “a fire on a haystack” because it could lead to unity and coordination between Afghanistan and India against Pakistan, further narrowing the field for Pakistan. This decision can strengthen the common ground between Afghanistan and India, as the war between India and Pakistan is very old and deep-rooted, and in fact, both countries are part of one body, but they have been divided into fragmented pieces. In particular, the geography of Kashmir is disputed between the two countries and occasionally causes tensions.
There is no doubt that Pakistan is America’s burnt spy in the region, which can be used against regional countries at any moment. This support for the Afghan opponents is not only a decision from within but also a demand from outside to impose pressure and intensify sanctions.
Despite all this, there is no doubt that Pakistan is an independent country with a nominal government, and unlike Afghanistan, it is not in a critical stage of independence and can make decisions and sometimes exert pressure more easily. This is what makes Pakistan stronger in its political stance and its propaganda more widespread. However, continuing to taunt and insult Afghanistan, especially during these days of independence celebrations, is neither wise nor sensible and could have consequences that will certainly not be pleasant.
Therefore, as the opposing party, Afghanistan must seek alternative ways and options to counter this decision by its neighboring country and not allow Pakistan to win this political game, as the issue of territorial integrity is at stake and supporting the opposition means taking a stand against the Afghan nation and government.
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