Where Do the Recent Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Originate?

News:

In its latest offensive, Pakistan launched attacks on border regions of Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of over 50 Afghan citizens, including women and children. This violent act has significantly escalated tensions between the two countries. In response, Afghanistan conducted limited retaliatory strikes on Pakistani positions. As the situation intensifies, Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing increased pressure from the Pakistani government, heightening concerns across the region.

Comment:

Pakistan continues these attacks under the pretext of combating “terrorism” and designates the Pakistani Taliban as a terrorist group. Moreover, it accuses the Afghan government of sheltering the Pakistani Taliban. However, during NATO’s 20-year occupation of Afghanistan, Pakistan itself posed a threat to Afghan Muslims and tribal communities, as NATO supplies and equipment were transported through Pakistani territory. Additionally, in U.S. drone strikes, such as the one targeting Ayman al-Zawahiri, Pakistan’s air corridor was reportedly used as a passage for these operations.

Even today, Pakistan remains a threat to Muslims in both countries. It appears to be aligning with America’s oppressive policies, shifting its military focus away from India and the occupied Kashmir aimed at further suppressing Muslims near the Durand Line. These policies, which bolster India’s stance against China, have made Muslims the primary victims. The responsibility for executing such agendas lies with the treacherous rulers of the Islamic lands.

Pakistan has now extended its repressive and hostile approach to Afghan refugees. Recently, Pakistani police have intensified the arrest of Afghan refugees, raiding their homes, confiscating their migration cards, and demanding that “ask your dependents (men) to come to the police station.” Despite being a nuclear power with the largest military in the Islamic world, Pakistan remains indifferent to crises faced by Muslims globally.

Palestine burns under occupation, Kashmir remains subdued, and Muslims in India, particularly under Modi’s regime, endure relentless oppression – all while Pakistan remains a passive observer. This country deals leniently with enemies of Muslims but harshly with the Muslims. As Hindus nowadays gain easier entry into Pakistan than Afghans.

As a result of these events, anti-Pakistani sentiments have surged in Afghanistan. However, the Afghan government has failed to lead the public opinion and emotions in accordance with Islamic principles, instead allowing nationalist tendencies to take root. The problem lies in how national states, regardless of whether they are Republic, Monarchical, or any other form, prioritize only their own national interests. To address these challenges and remove such threats, the ideology of nationalism and its manifestations – such as national borders and national interests – must be left behind. A fundamental solution lies in establishing the Second Khilafah Rashidah (Rightly-Guided Caliphate) upon the method of the Prophethood to unite Muslims, eliminate treacherous rulers, and prevent oppression and injustice against the Muslims.

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Yousof Arsalan
Member of the Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir in Wilayah Afghanistan