Thankless Neighbour, Costly Consequences |
For decades, Pakistan has been Afghanistan’s largest trading partner, primary transit corridor and most reliable humanitarian outlet. Not only this, but Pakistan also openly welcomed millions of Afghan refugees as its own in times of conflict. The state not only provided them with shelter but also gave them the leeway to operate businesses for almost four decades, despite the toll it took on its own economic and social fabric. However, instead of reciprocating Pakistan’s favours with gratitude and kindness, Pakistan was repaid with hostility and terrorist attacks on its civilians and security personnel. The Taliban government showed its true colours by providing the non-state actors with patronage against Pakistan. Despite recurring engagements and actionable evidence provided by Pakistan, the Afghan government did not budge from its policy regarding the........