Pak-Afghan conflict, Taliban violates Doha agreement

 

Pak-Afghan conflict, Taliban violates Doha agreement

By Irfan Tariq

After India’s humiliating defeat in the recent war with Pakistan, New Delhi sought revenge by manipulating the Afghan Taliban, turning the clouds of aggression from the Line of Control in Kashmir toward the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Despite decades of refuge, support, and sacrifices extended by Pakistan, the Taliban regime has now adopted a hostile stance toward its longtime ally — a move that raises serious questions about political wisdom, loyalty, and gratitude.

The 2020 Doha Peace Agreement, signed between the United States and the Taliban on February 29, 2020, in Qatar, was intended to end America’s longest war and establish lasting peace in Afghanistan. The deal promised the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops within 14 months, the Taliban’s assurance not to allow Afghan soil to be used for terrorism, and the initiation of dialogue with the Afghan government along with a prisoner exchange. However, these commitments were never fully honored. Violence continued, the Taliban avoided meaningful negotiations, and the hope for peace began to fade.

When the Taliban regained control of Kabul in August 2021, there was optimism that they had learned from past mistakes and would lead with moderation and responsibility. Yet the interim Taliban government soon repeated history — suppressing women’s rights, disregarding international law, and isolating Afghanistan from the global community.

Pakistan’s decision in 2024–2025 to repatriate undocumented Afghan refugees became a turning point in bilateral relations. Instead of cooperation, the Taliban responded with hostility. Reports suggest that, encouraged by Indian influence, Taliban border forces launched attacks along the Durand Line. Pakistan retaliated with precision airstrikes in Khost, Kabul, Jalalabad, and Paktika, targeting TTP and Taliban-linked militants.

Between 2022 and 2025, Pakistan suffered multiple terrorist attacks in Peshawar, Bannu, and Hayatabad — all traced back to Afghan-based militants. Since the Doha Agreement, more than 4,500 attacks have been carried out by the Taliban inside Afghanistan. Dozens of Pakistani soldiers have been martyred in cross-border violence, while Pakistan’s military operations have eliminated several dozen militants in response.

These events make it clear that whether under Karzai or Taliban rule, Afghanistan’s governance has rarely been fully independent. External powers — particularly India — continue to exploit Afghan soil to destabilize Pakistan. The Taliban’s recent diplomatic gestures toward India further strengthen suspicions that Kabul’s leadership remains vulnerable to foreign manipulation.

Internally, the Taliban government faces deep divisions between the Kandahari faction and the Haqqani network, undermining political stability and policymaking. These internal rifts have prevented the formation of a recognized, permanent government even four years after the Taliban’s return to power. Most countries, except Russia, still refuse to grant formal recognition to the Taliban regime.

The Taliban’s repeated violations of the Doha Agreement — including the use of Afghan territory for cross-border terrorism — have raised serious international concerns. Washington has reportedly begun reviewing its position, and former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at regaining control of the Bagram Airbase, signaling a possible American strategic return to the region.

If the Taliban continue to disregard their commitments, the United Nations may once again impose sanctions similar to those of the early 2000s. The ongoing border clashes and terrorist attacks launched from Afghan territory could be the primary reasons for renewed global pressure.

The United Nations and its member states must now play a decisive role to safeguard global peace. Sustainable stability will only be achieved when international agreements are fully respected and those who violate them face real consequences. Until then, peace will remain a distant dream.

As the situation unfolds, the key question remains: will the clouds of conflict hanging over the Durand Line move back toward Kashmir, or will diplomatic efforts finally prevail? The answer lies in the choices regional powers make — whether they pursue confrontation or commit to dialogue for lasting peace.