Pakistan's assessment of security threats from India and Afghanistan, presented at the UN Security Council on Monday, was accurate. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar clearly stated that bias and vengeance drive both Delhi and Kabul to conspire against Islamabad. The permanent representative substantiated his claims by citing Indian proxies operating inside Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, and Afghanistan's sheltering of terrorist groups.
It is well-known that India's newfound affinity for the Taliban has worsened regional security, with Pakistan bearing the brunt. The surge in terrorist attacks since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021 exemplifies this, fueled by the collaborative efforts of India and Afghanistan aimed solely at destabilizing Pakistan.
Pakistan's envoy also set the record straight: Islamabad's cross-border operations into Afghan territory were solely for self-defense, targeting terrorist hideouts. Having exhausted patience, Pakistan was justified in taking such action. Kabul not only ignored Pakistan's legitimate demand to act against terrorists but also violated its international commitments under the 2020 Doha Accord.
The Kabul-Delhi axis cannot absolve itself by blaming Pakistan for all regional problems; they must also engage in self-reflection. Ambassador Iftikhar rightly emphasized the urgent need for the Taliban to take "verifiable" and "concrete" action to fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations. Similarly, India must abandon its regional hegemon mindset and engage with neighbors in a civilized manner.
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the boycott of sports events, and the collapse of dialogue processes are unbecoming of a responsible major neighbor. Kabul and Delhi would be wise to extend an olive branch through geo-economic cooperation and unite against the common threat of terrorism.
