Taliban Mocks Pakistan's Strategic Depth Policy

The sudden takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August 2021 sent shockwaves across the region, with many countries scrambling to adjust their strategies. Pakistan, however, was one of the few nations that initially welcomed the development, seeing it as a strategic victory. The then-Pakistan Intelligence Chief even went to Kabul to celebrate the takeover.

Pakistan's enthusiasm for the Taliban's success is rooted in its long-standing 'Strategic Depth Policy' towards Afghanistan. This policy aims to use Afghanistan as a political pawn and strategic hedge against India. However, events since August last year have cast doubt on this strategy.

The increased militancy in Pakistan and border clashes with the Taliban have highlighted the limitations of Islamabad's approach. Moreover, the Indian Armed Forces' proactive response to these provocations has resulted in a significant number of Pakistani soldiers surrendering to their Bangladeshi counterparts.

In the 1971 Indo-Pak War, around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Defence Forces, leading to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This event is still remembered today, and Pakistan's current predicament serves as a stark reminder of its past failures.

A Taliban member recently mocked Pakistan's Strategic Depth Policy, warning against any military attack on Afghanistan. The interior minister of Pakistan was told not to think about attacking the Taliban, lest there be a shameful repetition of the 1971 war.

The tweet read: 'Do not think of a military attack on us, otherwise, there will be a shameful repetition of the military agreement with India.' This warning underscores the fragility of Pakistan's position and its vulnerability to the whims of the Taliban.

In conclusion, the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has exposed the limitations of Pakistan's Strategic Depth Policy. The country's enthusiasm for the Taliban's success may have been short-lived, as it is now faced with the prospect of increased militancy and border clashes. As the dust settles in Afghanistan, Pakistan would do well to reevaluate its approach towards the region.

Taliban mocks