The western setback

Unrest from the western frontiers is unabated. The firing of mortars and other heavy ammunition from Afghanistan across the border in Chaman in the Killi Sheikh Lal Muhammad areas is highly condemnable, and without any premise. At least, six locals were killed and many more injured as a result of the onslaught that has no reason to stand. The fact that the Chaman front has now become a theatre of violence, as this attack comes within a month of firing at the international checkpost is demeaning for congenial relations. It seems gone are the days when the western border with Pakistan used to be a friendly buffer, and at least, there were no incursions from the state level in Kabul. Though non-state actors used to frequent across the divide and foment trouble, this new phenomenon of apparent state intrusion is an anti-thesis of Pakistan’s cordiality doctrine with Afghanistan.

There is something seriously wrong somewhere with the writ of Taliban in the war-shattered country. It seems the militia is in a crisscross with itself, as well as other entities that are making room for themselves. This missing link is the source of unrest. At the same time, the Taliban are at a failure in living up to the expectations of the regional states who had entrusted faith in the new dispensation owing to their popularity, and it was hoped that peace shall prevail. The Taliban, otherwise, are known to be great managers when it comes to internal security, but their nervousness at this point is of grave concern.

The Taliban leadership should realise that resurgence of al-Qaeda, IS-Khorasan and other entities will marginalise them in power decorum, and the country will once again slip into a civil war. The ushering winter factor, internally displaced persons and food scarcity are challenges that would elicit attention, and in such a scenario this firefighting exercise with militants will be detrimental to Afghan prospects. Taliban should ensure their writ and take out elements who are creating regional disorder through adventurism.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2022.

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