Written by: Arsala Shahin
In many countries where the virtual resistance front operates, their space for action is shrinking by the day, and they face numerous challenges. This front and its members are treated as disposable tools; used temporarily and discarded afterward. Neighboring countries and some others benefit from them for limited periods and specific agendas, offering temporary facilities; but once the desired task is completed, they pack up their support, restrict their activities, and expel them from their territories.
For the past few years, the virtual resistance fronts were being encouraged to operate from Tajikistan. Various agendas were handed to this front against the Afghan government, and this proxy front tried hard to carry them out. However, it failed in implementation because it lacked proper management, planning, and physical presence, remaining confined only to online activity. They had no local support within Afghanistan, and consequently, Tajikistan gradually responded negatively and distanced itself from them.
During the visit of the governor of Balkh to Tajikistan, the Tajik intelligence minister assured the Afghan delegation that they would no longer allow malicious fronts on their soil that threaten Afghanistan’s security. He told the Afghan delegation, “On our part, we assure you of good neighborliness and hope that Tajikistan and Afghanistan will live like other brotherly nations. We will not allow any malicious front or group on our soil that could endanger Afghanistan’s security.” By referring to the resistance front as a “malicious front,” the Tajik intelligence minister further tightened the space for their activities there.
At the same time, security and political analysts believe that Russia’s recognition of the Afghan government has positively influenced regional relations with the new Afghan government. Afghanistan and Tajikistan also share transit, security, and trade relations and needs, which encourage both sides to strengthen their bilateral diplomatic ties.
Recently, a high-level Tajik delegation visited Afghanistan and met with several senior Afghan officials. Former diplomats say the purpose of this visit was that the new Afghan government had been recognized by Russia, and Tajikistan did not want to be left behind. According to them, Tajikistan seeks flexible relations with the Afghan government for economic interests. Diplomatic ties between Afghanistan and Tajikistan are expanding day by day, and this situation has had a highly negative impact on the activities of the resistance front in Tajikistan.
In recent weeks, members of the resistance front have been trying to find a country that holds an anti-Afghanistan stance to continue their malicious activities. In this pursuit, after leaving Iran and Tajikistan, they turned to Pakistan. Some members complained about the deteriorating conditions in Iran and attempted to reach Pakistan—even at the cost of becoming sacrifices for that country’s interests.
For the resistance front, the biggest goal at this front is simply its survival, even if it means fighting for Pakistan’s interests. Their virtual presence and activities have recently aligned with the interests of the Pakistani military regime and run counter to Afghanistan’s national interests. Members of the resistance front have now become instruments for implementing Pakistan’s hostile policies and victims of foreign traps.
Note: The articles, essays, and comments published by the Voice of Hindukush only reflect the views of the authors & writers and do not necessarily represent the agreement of the Voice of Hindukush.