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In a notable exclusion, Pakistan did not list Afghanistan as an attendee at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) moot which it has just concluded in Islamabad. Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan have severely deteriorated for more than a year, and this latest snub follows a slew of remarks by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN last month, in his address to the General Assembly.
In the address, Pakistan formally accused the Kabul government of hosting and protecting leaders of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), enabling them to launch attacks against Pakistani forces and installations. This was the first time the Taliban have been held responsible by Islamabad in such a high world forum. Furthermore, the criticism of the Taliban government was repeated a few days later by Pakistan’s Prime Minister at the General Assembly as well.
Islamabad has chosen to take a clear stand on the issue of militant attacks within Pakistan by ignoring certain ground realities and taking advantage of the Taliban’s international isolation.
What do the Taliban gain by patronizing an outfit like TTP? Nothing. On the other hand, it loses the support and sympathy of a very important neighbor. Why should........

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