Former Pakistani Official Admits Miscalculation on Taliban Amid Rising Border Violence

Asif Durrani, former Pakistani special representative for Afghanistan, stated that Islamabad miscalculated its relationship with the Taliban. The increase in insecurity along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has placed Pakistan in an “inevitable” position to respond militarily. These remarks come after the Pakistan Air Force conducted extensive airstrikes on Sunday night targeting border areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Durrani noted that four major attacks occurred in Pakistan just this month, resulting in 60 deaths. He alleged that the Taliban administration has shown no will to control the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has intensified pressure on Islamabad.

The former Pakistani diplomat also claimed that individuals affiliated with the Afghan Taliban play an active role within the TTP. Criticizing the traditional views of some Pakistani security officials, he said, “The perception that the Taliban are Pakistan’s friends was a mistake.”

Highlighting the historically tense relations between the two parties, Durrani pointed out that some Taliban leaders, including Mullah Baradar, have spent years in Pakistani prisons. Even the current Taliban ambassador in Islamabad has been imprisoned three times in Pakistan, illustrating the complex and distrustful nature of their relationship.

He also referred to previous negotiations held in Istanbul and Doha, noting that the Taliban provided no clear response regarding the TTP issue. According to Durrani, attacks in Pakistan have increased four months after those talks.

Addressing the people of Afghanistan, he urged them to ask the Taliban why they provide sanctuary to the TTP. These comments come amid the Taliban administration’s consistent denial of using Afghan soil against other countries; however, the ongoing cross-border attacks and tensions have intensified criticism of their security policies.

Regarding expanding Taliban ties with India, Durrani said these relations are defined by mutual interests and do not pose a problem as long as Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan’s security. Nevertheless, he warned that the Taliban cannot sustain their political existence without good relations with neighboring countries. Prolonged tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, he emphasized, would be detrimental to both nations.