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The attacks from across the western frontiers on Pakistan is a grave escalation. The audacity of the Taliban regime to go on a military offensive across the international borders is a violation of International Law, and also sabotages the CBMs that Pakistan and other countries in the region have been undertaking to further peace and prosperity.
Afghanistan’s unprovoked firing on the Torkham and Tirah sub-sectors seems to be an attempt in desperation, as it has no logical rejoinder to calls for restraint as well as action against unscrupulous elements holed up inside the Southwest Asian state. TTP, Al-Qaeda and ISKP enjoy blatant patronage from Kabul, a fact corroborated by security dossiers of the UN and neighbouring nations. Thus, this act of cowardice to target innocent people living on the borders as well as the security forces is brinkmanship meant to divert attention from the pressing need for taking on the terror nexus.
The growing friction between the two countries is a point of concern, and has come at a time when war hysteria is on the rise in the Middle East and Persian Gulf. The Afghan jingoism is uncalled for. Pakistan had – by carrying out airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktia to target fugitives and terrorists indulging in attacks across the border – specified the epicenter of revulsion. Kabul should have acted there and not across the Pakistan frontiers.
The hot pursuit from Pakistani forces was ordained under Article 51 of the UN Charter in self-defence, and came after the failure of sustained diplomatic efforts. Pakistan had, in the month of February, seen at least five big attacks by from the terrorists crossing over from the western borders.
The way forward for Kabul is to get introspective and desist from torpedoing the decades of good faith with Pakistan. The Taliban regime must understand that they are under an obligation to flush out terror elements, and pampering them for petty political considerations would backfire in the long run. Kabul and Islamabad must get back to the table and ensure that borders turn serene for the collective good of millions on either side of the divide.
