NewKerala.com

Pakistan Realises Taliban 2.0 Won't Be Its Vassal State, Expert Says

An expert states Pakistan has come to the grim realisation that the current Taliban regime in Afghanistan will not act as its vassal state, marking the collapse of its long-held "strategic depth" policy. This follows a Pakistani airstrike on a facility in Kabul and ongoing refusals by Kabul to meet Pakistani demands. China has actively offered to mediate, with its foreign minister and special envoy engaging in diplomatic shuttling between the two nations. The situation highlights a significant geopolitical shift in the region, with Pakistan opting to ride out the consequences despite its military and economic superiority.

Key Points: Pakistan's "Strategic Depth" in Afghanistan Has Collapsed: Expert

  • Pakistan's strategic depth policy collapsed
  • Realisation Afghanistan won't be client state
  • China offers mediation between nations
  • Recent airstrike escalated tensions
  • Pakistan believes in riding out consequences
2 min read

"Pak realised Afghanistan won't be its vassal," Expert says

Expert says Pakistan grimly realises Afghanistan won't be its vassal state, as China offers mediation following airstrikes and tensions.

"Taliban 2.0 is a different kettle of fish from Taliban 1.0. - Burzine Waghmar"

London, March 18

Burzine Waghmar, Iranian and Pakistan studies expert at the University of London, said that Pakistan has come to the grim realisation that "Taliban 2.0 is a different kettle of fish than Taliban 1.0."

On Pakistan's airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, Waghmar said that Pakistan has now realised that Afghanistan would not remain a vassal state for it.

He told ANI, "Pakistan categorically told Beijing last week that there is no point in discussing anything with Kabul since the latter refuses to even meet our basic threshold of demands...Taliban 2.0 is a different kettle of fish from Taliban 1.0, which Pakistan has come to realise very grimly. This Afghanistan is not going to be Pakistan's vassal state or a client state. Pakistan thought it would attain strategic depth, a policy that it has honed over decades, going back actually to the earliest period of the Pakistan Republic from the 1950s onwards. But clearly, it has gone south for them. The entire question of strategic depth has collapsed...For now, it would appear Pakistan believes in riding it out, come what may, the consequences and of course, it knows it is militarily superior to Afghanistan and economically too."

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian had also offered on Monday to mediate between the countries.

In a post on X, he said, "To mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan, FM Wang Yi has had phone conversations with his Afghan and Pakistani counterparts during the past week. The MFA Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs has been shuttling between Afghanistan and Pakistan. China's embassies have been in close communication with both sides as well."

"China hopes Afghanistan and Pakistan will remain calm and exercise restraint, engage face to face ASAP, achieve a ceasefire at the earliest opportunity, and resolve differences and disputes through dialogue. China will continue to facilitate reconciliation and ease tensions," he added.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting analysis. For decades, the narrative was of Pakistan having immense influence in Kabul. To see that crumbling must be a huge strategic shock for their establishment. China stepping in to mediate shows how the regional dynamics are shifting.
R
Rohit P
Airstrike on a hospital? That's a new low, even for them. Shows the level of frustration and desperation. Their entire foreign policy in the region seems to be backfiring spectacularly. Karma is a long game, but it always delivers.
S
Sarah B
While the expert's point is valid, let's not forget the human cost. The article mentions an addiction treatment hospital was hit. Civilians are always caught in the middle of these geopolitical games. The focus should be on peace, not just who has influence.
V
Vikram M
China's mediation offer is the most interesting part. They're trying to be the new big brother in the region. But can they actually control the Taliban? Or will they also learn the hard way that Afghanistan is nobody's vassal state? Time will tell.
K
Karthik V
The phrase "different kettle of fish" says it all. Pakistan created and nurtured this monster for its own ends, and now it's turning on them. A classic case of blowback. India must watch this situation very carefully, but from a safe distance.
M

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50