Ikram Sh & Dr.Naveed Elahi

Taliban government has planned to establish one hundred border security outposts alongside borders with Pakistan and China adjacent to its eastern provinces especially in Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan provinces which have border with Pakistan. Such outposts are being made under the direction of the Defence Ministry headed by Maulvi Muhammad Yaqoob.

Qari Meraj Commander of the Border Brigade in Nangarhar talking to Radio Hurriat said that these security posts are being set up at Zero line linked with roads. He further said that during the periods of previous governments such outpost were built 15 k.m behind the zero line of the border on the eastern provinces as Pakistan did not allow them to build the same on forward position. Wahidullah Muhammadi spokesperson of the 201 Khalid bin Waleed Corps stated that road infrastructures to these posts will not only facilitate the border guards deployed on these outposts but also the local population for development in their areas.

Earlier, Fasihullah Fitrat Chief of Staff of the Afghanistan Army had said that 22 provinces of the country have border with six nations and nearly 600 border outposts were built near their respective borders by increasing strength of Defence Ministry border guards to 44 percent in the 63 Units to protect the country. While responding to his self-assumed possible military operation by Pakistan into Afghan territory against the sanctuaries of terrorist and reiterated Afghan Taliban government’s usual stand suggesting Pakistan to make its own house in order (19 August). Several clashes took place with the neighbouring countries in the last as well as the current year but mostly on the Western border with Iran, and Southern and Eastern border with Pakistan.

Pakistan has around 2640 km (1640 miles) long border with Afghanistan. It was created in 1893 after signing an agreement between British-India Government Secretary Sir Mortimer Durand and Emir Abdul Rehman (ruler) of Afghanistan in Kabul and since has been functioning as official de facto border for more than one hundred years. The same, however, remained controversial during successive governments in Afghanistan including the current one led by Taliban. The latest move of Taliban government’s announcement of establishing 100 outposts was made shortly after clashes between the security forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan over the Afghan government’s attempt of constructing the outpost structure on the Pakistan’s territory to which Pakistan strongly objected. Afghanistan however, dismissed the same by claiming that the built-up was made in its area.  This led to closure of Torkham border crossing for nine days from 06- 15 September.

In the last two years, Taliban fighters have repeatedly clashed with the border guards of neighbouring countries. Most of these conflicts have occurred on the western borders with Iranian forces and on the southern and eastern borders with Pakistani forces. The infiltration of TTP and Daesh terrorists from Afghanistan into Pakistan from these areas is a matter of grave concern for Pakistan.

It is yet to see in the coming days whether the Afghan outposts on Pakistan border are meant to help Pakistan to prevent the movement of infiltrators, terrorists and smugglers to and from Pakistan or provide support to the defunct TTP, Baloch separatist outfits e.t.c. Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani negotiated with Afghan high-ups, and it was decided to establish a commission to resolve border related issues. Nevertheless, it is difficult to trust the Afghan Taliban government as it has reneged on it promises time and again.

During the last two years Afghan Taliban government has not shown seriousness to bridle TTP’s incursions into Pakistan. The construction of posts along Pak-Afghan border speaks of same mindset that is not focusing on controlling the TTP, instead it aims at stopping the Pakistani forces from chasing the fleeing terrorists back into Afghanistan. The posts can turn into arrangements for the security of the terrorists which would further embolden the terrorists belonging to TTP, Daesh and even al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

Keeping in view the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which is undoubtedly complex and poses several challenges for Pakistan’s security, Pakistan must take pro-active measures as per the following recommendations:

Diplomacy and Dialogue: Despite all complications diplomatic efforts to engage with the Afghan Taliban government should continue. Establishing a commission to resolve border-related issues is a step in the right direction. Pakistan should maintain open channels of communication to address concerns and prevent misunderstandings.

Border Management: There is a need to enhance border management and surveillance along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Border security forces must be strengthened to effectively deal with infiltrators, terrorists, and smugglers. Modern technology like drones and surveillance cameras can be employed for better monitoring.

International pressure: Sustained collaboration with international partners, especially neighboring countries like Iran and China, to put pressure on the Afghan Taliban to not let the groups use its soil for trans-border attacks. Further coordinated efforts would be helpful in addressing cross-border security challenges, . Regional cooperation can help stabilize the situation.

Counterterrorism Strategy: An officially articulated counter terrorism strategy should be devised and implemented within Pakistan. This includes robust intelligence-sharing, targeted military operations, and law enforcement actions against terrorist organizations, such as the TTP and Daesh.

Development Initiatives: Promote development and economic opportunities in the border regions to discourage local populations from engaging in illegal activities or supporting militants. Improved infrastructure can also aid in the mobility of security forces.

Hearts and Minds: Engage in public diplomacy to counter the narrative of terrorist organizations and highlight the negative impact of their activities on the region’s stability. Winning the hearts and minds of the local population is crucial.

Humanitarian Aid: Provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who may be affected by the border tensions. Pakistan should work with international organizations to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable populations.

Multilateral Forums: Utilize multilateral forums like the United Nations to raise concerns about cross-border terrorism and the potential misuse of security outposts. Seek international support and cooperation in addressing these issues.

Monitoring and Verification: Establish mechanisms for monitoring and verifying the activities of the security outposts being set up by the Afghan Taliban government. Transparency in these actions is essential to build trust.

Adaptive Strategy: Be flexible in response to evolving situations. Continuously assess and adapt Pakistan’s strategy based on the actions and intentions of the Afghan Taliban government and other stakeholders.

It is important for Pakistan to pursue a comprehensive approach that combines diplomacy, security measures, development efforts, and international cooperation to address the challenges along its border with Afghanistan effectively. Additionally, maintaining a vigilant and proactive stance while keeping channels of communication open is crucial for regional stability.

Ikram Sh is a former Director Intelligence Bureau; Dr. Naveed Elahi is editor of The Strategic Brief