“The Truth Behind Pakistan and ISKP: Unveiling the Hidden Connections” (2024)

Before the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, it was known that more than ten terrorist groups were operating in the country, so negotiating with the Taliban alone was seen as insufficient for resolving the situation. However, it was clear that ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province ) apart from the Taliban, was also active in Afghanistan. Some political figures repeatedly claimed that national security issues were fueling IS-KP’s operations.

ISKP ( Islamic State Khorasan Province )

When the Taliban took control of Kabul, IS-KP had significant hideouts in urban centers, especially in Kabul and Nangarhar. The Taliban took a strong stance against IS-KP, aiming to stop their activities. It’s worth noting that many individuals in our region accused of being associated with IS-KP fled to Pakistan.

During the Taliban’s rule, some neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, were particularly pleased with the Taliban’s control. At international conferences, Pakistan advocated for the recognition of the Taliban-led Afghanistan and the unfreezing of Afghan assets, making various recommendations. However, many political analysts and social media activists viewed these actions negatively, attributing them to Pakistan’s ulterior motives. This perception was confirmed when the Taliban rejected the demands of Pakistani authorities unequivocally.

Pakistani authorities made significant efforts to persuade the Taliban to accept their demands, hoping to influence international perceptions. Despite these efforts, Pakistan’s attempts did not yield the desired results. The Pakistani intelligence agency continued to push its agenda, trying to create conditions for their strategic plans. In response, the Taliban government ordered the establishment of new posts and facilities in border areas to counter these moves.

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When these efforts failed, Pakistani authorities decided to forcibly expel Afghan refugees. They initiated a biometric process to track and arrest many individuals who were suspected of being trained against the system with specific objectives. This action validated concerns, as many arrests were made.

It’s also important to note the statements of the former Pakistani Taliban spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan, which were confirmed by several high-ranking Taliban officials. Despite this, the Taliban have shown restraint, indicating their desire to maintain friendly relations with all countries, which is crucial for Afghanistan’s interests.

Why did Pakistan’s initial optimism towards the Taliban turn into such deep and sensitive enmity? Stay tuned for our next analysis article for the answer to this question.