Tensions escalate between Taliban and Pakistan

Amid rising tensions with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, Pakistan’s ISI chief, Lieutenant General Asim Malik, made an unannounced visit to Tajikistan. The visit is reportedly aimed at strengthening ties with Tajikistan, which hosts many anti-Taliban factions and leaders who fled Afghanistan after the U.S.-backed Ashraf Ghani government fell in 2021. Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rahmon, has been a vocal critic of the Taliban, calling for an inclusive Afghan government that represents all ethnic and political groups, including the country’s significant Tajik population.

According to the Tajikistan Presidential Office, Lt. Gen. Malik met President Rahmon at his palace, though Pakistan has not officially disclosed details of the visit. Analysts suggest this move signals Pakistan’s discontent with the Taliban’s alleged support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group targeting Pakistan.

Tajikistan is also a hub for the National Resistance Front (NRF), an anti-Taliban group led by former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh. The NRF is reportedly seeking financial and military backing to combat the Taliban and allied militants, though there’s no confirmation that the ISI chief met NRF leaders.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship has recently deteriorated due to escalating violence. Pakistan’s airstrikes targeting the TTP in Afghanistan were met with retaliatory attacks, killing Pakistani military personnel, including a Major. The Taliban disputed Pakistan’s claims, alleging civilian casualties among refugees. In the latest clash, Afghan Taliban forces attacked Pakistani troops near the Kurram border region, leading to casualties on both sides.

Meanwhile, India maintains close ties with Tajikistan and operates its first overseas military base in Ayni, near Dushanbe. This base, co-managed by India and Tajikistan, underscores India’s strategic interest in the region.

Amid rising tensions with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, Pakistan’s ISI chief, Lieutenant General Asim Malik, made an unannounced visit to Tajikistan. The visit is reportedly aimed at strengthening ties with Tajikistan, which hosts many anti-Taliban factions and leaders who fled Afghanistan after the U.S.-backed Ashraf Ghani government fell in 2021. Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rahmon, has been a vocal critic of the Taliban, calling for an inclusive Afghan government that represents all ethnic and political groups, including the country’s significant Tajik population.

According to the Tajikistan Presidential Office, Lt. Gen. Malik met President Rahmon at his palace, though Pakistan has not officially disclosed details of the visit. Analysts suggest this move signals Pakistan’s discontent with the Taliban’s alleged support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group targeting Pakistan.

Tajikistan is also a hub for the National Resistance Front (NRF), an anti-Taliban group led by former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh. The NRF is reportedly seeking financial and military backing to combat the Taliban and allied militants, though there’s no confirmation that the ISI chief met NRF leaders.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship has recently deteriorated due to escalating violence. Pakistan’s airstrikes targeting the TTP in Afghanistan were met with retaliatory attacks, killing Pakistani military personnel, including a Major. The Taliban disputed Pakistan’s claims, alleging civilian casualties among refugees. In the latest clash, Afghan Taliban forces attacked Pakistani troops near the Kurram border region, leading to casualties on both sides.

Meanwhile, India maintains close ties with Tajikistan and operates its first overseas military base in Ayni, near Dushanbe. This base, co-managed by India and Tajikistan, underscores India’s strategic interest in the region.