The ceasefire agreement with the Afghan Taliban was aimed at giving space to stability, but the situation on the ground has shattered such hopes. Pakistan was meant to halt all operations and enter dialogue in good faith, while it was expected that Kabul would keep under control all the radical organisations operating from its territory. Instead, attacks have increased, exposing the hollow assurances emanating from across the border. The ceasefire is not working because the Afghan Taliban have not contributed to its success.

This is evident in the recent spate of violence. Three suicide attackers targeted the Frontier Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar with devastating effect, killing three officers and injuring several others. Barely two days later, militants attacked a police check post in Hangu, resulting in the deaths of three police officers. It all points to the same reality: these men do not operate in a void. Their activities, training, and re-launch mechanisms thrive in Afghanistan, practically at the border.

German backed DFLT programme launched in Sindh

One of Pakistan’s most frequently reiterated claims concerns the presence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and similar outfits’ sanctuaries in Afghan territory. Kabul has always denied the allegation, yet evidence mounts with every terrorist assault. If the Afghan government were sincere about achieving regional peace, it would dismantle the support structure enabling terrorists to........

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