US Maintains Influence Over Afghanistan Despite Military Withdrawal, Says Pakistani Newspaper
Pakistani newspaper “The Nation” has claimed that despite the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the United States continues to exert influence over Afghan-related affairs through financial mechanisms, diplomatic channels, and international institutions.
According to the newspaper, Washington utilizes leverage within global economic and political structures to influence the Taliban administration’s behavior and to curb the activities of armed groups in the region.
The Nation further highlighted the fourth round of anti-terrorism talks between the US and Pakistan, viewing it as a sign of ongoing security cooperation between the two countries. The report identifies groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army, and ISIS-Khorasan as shared threats.
The newspaper believes that Islamabad has consistently emphasized that the activities of these groups are not merely a domestic challenge for Pakistan but have regional consequences, necessitating broad international coordination to address them.
The article also stresses that Pakistan’s security cooperation with the US does not signify a decline in its strategic relations with China, and that Islamabad can simultaneously maintain its ties with Beijing while collaborating with Washington on counter-terrorism.
In conclusion, The Nation asserts that shared security interests between Pakistan and the US could pave the way for transforming political consultations into concrete actions against armed networks in the region.
