Four years ago, when the Taliban raised its flag over Kabul, Pakistan erupted in celebration. The Imran Khan government hailed it as a “freedom from the chains of slavery,” and sweets were distributed openly on the streets.
Several hardline leaders in Pakistan began calling the Taliban their “brothers,” and a narrative took hold that a new era of friendship was beginning between the two nations. But now, that very Pakistan is silent… nervous… and quietly retreating under the global gaze.
Cracks in the Wall of Brotherhood
The same Pakistan that once rushed to embrace the Taliban is now hesitant to officially recognize them-even four years later. While Russia has taken the lead in legitimizing the Taliban regime on the global stage, Pakistan has pulled back. Sources in Pakistan’s foreign ministry have clearly stated:
“Islamabad is in no hurry. We will act in the national interest and make decisions accordingly.”
In other words, the Taliban once called ‘brothers’ are now being met with diplomatic distancing.
Taliban Accused of Sheltering TTP: A Strained Relationship
The real root of the problem lies deeper. Since coming to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has provided shelter to numerous fighters from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-a terrorist group responsible for dozens of deadly attacks within Pakistan, from Peshawar schools to Quetta camps.
Even Pakistan’s own intelligence agencies now admit the Taliban is not taking concrete action against TTP.
Repeated tensions have flared between Islamabad and Kabul over the issue. While the Taliban continues to deny providing safe haven to terrorists, Pakistan has begun openly expressing its anger on international platforms.
Refugee Crisis Exposes Pakistan’s Harsh Face to the World
In retaliation, Pakistan has begun forcibly expelling hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees residing within its borders. This move has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and even the United Nations, with many labeling Pakistan’s policy “cruel and inhumane.”
Reports have surfaced suggesting the expelled Afghans are not even being accepted by the Taliban regime, triggering a new humanitarian crisis.
IMF, U.S., and Global Pressure: Major Factors Behind the U-turn
Recognizing the Taliban could isolate Pakistan on the international stage-a reality Islamabad can no longer ignore.
Pakistan’s economy is in the ICU, heavily dependent on IMF bailout packages, U.S. support, and investment from European nations.
In such a scenario, recognizing a regime like the Taliban’s could be tantamount to economic suicide.
Even Pakistani officials now cautiously admit, “We are handling our diplomacy with utmost care. Our international image and economic security are more important than supporting the Taliban.”
Russia’s Recognition Rattles Islamabad
Russia’s decision to officially recognize the Taliban has thrown Pakistan into fresh confusion. Analysts believe Russia made this move to strengthen its strategic foothold against terrorism in Afghanistan, while also balancing the growing China-Pakistan nexus in the region.
Some experts argue that Russia’s bold step may soon prompt other regional powers like Iran, Turkmenistan, or even India to tilt towards Taliban recognition.
Pakistan fears being sidelined by the very “brother” it once nurtured, and losing strategic influence in Afghanistan.
Will Pakistan Admit Defeat?
The answer to this question is still unclear-even for Pakistan.
Officials have stated, “We will not make any decision until the Taliban ensures Pakistan’s interests are protected.”
However, the bitter truth is this: The Taliban no longer seems interested in listening to Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s new rulers see themselves as fully independent and have stepped out of Pakistan’s shadow.
The Bigger Question
The Taliban, once nurtured and supported by Pakistan-has it now become Islamabad’s biggest headache?
Will Pakistan, like Russia, eventually take a “pragmatic” approach and recognize the Taliban? Or will it cave under international pressure and isolate itself once again from the global community?
Answers may unfold in the coming months.
But one thing is certain today-Pakistan’s “brotherhood” with the Taliban is on the verge of collapse…
And the rift is so deep that no festival of sweets can heal it now.