Pakistani Politician Claims Islamabad Seeks to Shift Power Balance in Afghanistan
Afrasiab Khattak, a Pakistani politician, has stated that Islamabad is attempting to form a new coalition against the Taliban administration by inviting figures and groups opposing the Taliban. According to him, the goal of this move is not to overthrow the Taliban government but rather to alter the political balance and leadership structure in Afghanistan in Pakistan’s favor.
Khattak, whose remarks were covered by Afghan media, described Pakistan’s five-decade policy toward Afghanistan as unsuccessful. He warned that continuing this approach could provoke a response from Afghanistan and further complicate the situation.
The Pakistani politician also said that Islamabad lacks a clear and independent policy towards Afghanistan and mainly operates within the frameworks of major powers’ strategies. In his view, such dependence prevents the formation of a stable policy based on the mutual interests of the two countries.
Khattak further highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing political, economic, and security crises, attributing the increase in armed group attacks—especially in the Balochistan province—to the continuation of past policies.
Relations between the Taliban administration and Pakistan have deteriorated in recent years alongside a rise in attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), border tensions, and mutual accusations. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the Taliban government of harboring TTP members, allegations the Taliban have denied.
Meanwhile, according to some reports, Islamabad has hosted several Taliban-opposing figures and groups in recent months; a move that may signal an effort to redefine Pakistan’s political influence regarding Afghanistan.
