TTP Factor in Pak-Afghan Relations in The Taliban Era

Abstract

The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has long been a pivotal yet contentious element in the complex relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. With the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in August 2021, the dynamics of Pak-Afghan relations have undergone a significant transformation, heavily influenced by the presence and activities of the TTP. This research investigates the multifaceted role of the TTP as a destabilizing force in bilateral ties, particularly in the context of the Taliban’s ideological and operational linkages with the group. The study argues that the Afghan Taliban’s tacit support—or at least reluctance to curb TTP operations—has intensified security challenges for Pakistan, leading to a surge in cross-border militancy and complicating counterterrorism efforts. By examining official policy statements, security reports, and insurgent activities, this paper assesses how the TTP’s resurgence has strained diplomatic engagements between Islamabad and Kabul. It highlights Pakistan’s concerns over alleged safe havens for TTP militants in Afghanistan, as well as the implications of the group’s attacks on Pakistan’s internal security and regional stability. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategies and the broader geopolitical ramifications of the TTP’s presence in the region. Ultimately, this research underscores that the TTP remains a critical impediment to sustainable cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Taliban era. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how non-state actors influence interstate relations in conflict-prone regions, offering insights into the challenges of counterterrorism, bilateral trust-building, and regional security management.