Wakhan corridor and Indian propaganda

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The Wakhan Corridor, a strategic region in Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, connects the country to China's Xinjiang region. It lies between Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region to the North and Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan regions to the South. The high-altitude valley, rising to 4,923 meters, has long been a focal point of regional geopolitics, intertwining the interests of these three nations with those of Central Asia. Spanning approximately 350 kilometers, this narrow strip of land serves as a lifeline to its sparse population, in stark contrast to its crucial role in trade, security and diplomacy. Historically crafted during the 19th century 'Great Game' as a buffer zone between the British and Russian empires, the Wakhan Corridor continues to exert influence in modern geopolitics. Recently, the Corridor has drawn a substantial media hype after a reported visit of Pakistan's spy master to Tajikistan. The visit, which might have been a routine occurrence, was misconstrued by Indian media and termed as an overture aimed at Pakistan annexing the Wakhan area. India exploited this event and hurled a propaganda campaign, alleging ulterior motives behind this interaction. Indian media twisted the context of Pakistan's engagement with Central Asian states and falsely filliped a narrative of Pakistani aggression in the Corridor. The purpose behind these baseless assertions is to undermine Pakistan's regional cooperation initiatives and create tension between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

There is no denying the fact that Wakhan Border offers multi-faceted geo-strategic and economic incentives to Pakistan. These incentives, by no means, can stir belligerent intentions by a country which has never been observed violating the sovereignty and integrity of its neighbours. While Pakistan realises the benefits attached to an access to this strategic passage to resource-rich Central Asian states in addressing its energy shortages for revival of its economic growth, it cannot violate its international obligations as a responsible member of global community. Pakistan's advantageous location at the confluence of South and Central Aasia makes it a connectivity hub. Pakistan is already accruing desired benefits inhibiting any further temptation at the cost of tarnishing its image as a responsible state. Triggering a well-crafted propaganda against Pakistan is favourite distraction of its Eastern neighbour India. Indian perpetual efforts in discrediting Pakistan have always been an established norm - something that was exposed by credible global forums like EU Disinfo Lab in 2019. Indian assertion of Pakistan's intentions of occupying the Wakhan Corridor encompass multiple nefarious objectives having negative implications for Pakistan in the region. It is crucial to evaluate India's inimical propaganda with regards to the Wakhan Corridor.

The Wakhan Corridor is a critical strategic asset that provides Afghanistan with political and economic leverage - a fact that India wishes to manipulate playing on this sensitivity of Afghanistan. India is making concerted efforts in escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Owing to perilous security situation in its restive provinces of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Pakistan remains wary of Afghanistan's patronage to terrorist groups operating in these regions. Pakistan's grievances on use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups, expulsion of Afghans illegally residing in Pakistan, lack of efficient border management by Afghanistan and a host of other issues have caused a substantial commotion between both countries. India, which had a significant clout in Afghanistan in the pre-Taliban regime days, is once again endeavouring to manage congenial relations with Afghan Interim Government (AIG). The accomplishment of this aspiration is only possible by creating mistrust between AIG and Pakistan. Pakistan has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and sovereignty. This commitment is frequently emphasised by the country's military leadership - a fact vindicated by the Chief of Army Staff in a statement during his visit to Peshawar on 13 January 2025. The ISPR Director General also explicitly affirmed Pakistan's commitment to respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty, in his presser in December 2024. Pakistan's efforts to host millions of Afghan refugees and its active support for Afghanistan's reconstruction further demonstrate its unwavering focus on promoting stability in the region.

India's ambition of acting as a counterweight to China is a cornerstone of its foreign policy. The Wakhan Corridor offers China a potential opening to enhance its economic and strategic influence in the region. By controlling the Wakhjir and Tegermansu passes, China can leverage its position to gain both economic and strategic benefits in the region. Furthermore, the Corridor can serve as an auxiliary route when other connections, such as those through Jalalabad and Chitral, are inaccessible due to seasonal closures. China's Xinjiang province shares borders with 14 countries, including Pakistan, making it a critical hub for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India's propaganda frequently emphasises this connectivity, aiming to weaken the BRI as well as CPEC's sustainability and its role in connecting Xinjiang to Gwadar Port. India sees the strengthening of ties between Pakistan, Tajikistan and China as a direct threat to its own geopolitical standing. Moreover, India is trying to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and disrupt its collaboration with China by presenting a flawed narrative on Gilgit-Baltistan's integration with Pakistan. India's rhetoric regarding the Wakhan Corridor reflects this broader agenda, framing Pakistan's legitimate economic and security interests as expansionist. India's opposition to any Pak-China collaboration is also part of a broader plan to distract attention from its own unfavourable domestic situation.

Indian anxiety is attributed to any potential collaboration between Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Central Asian States which not only diminishes India's influence in Afghanistan but also threatens its broader regional strategy. India has long sought to counter Pakistan's influence in the region by promoting alternative routes, such as the Afghanistan-Iran-India corridor, which bypasses Pakistan entirely. It is, thus, imperative for all stakeholders to comprehend the real intent behind the malicious Indian propaganda.