Former Minister of State for External Affairs and veteran journalist MJ Akbar has criticized Pakistan's aggression against Afghanistan, stating that war has become an integral part of Pakistan's nature. His remarks come amid escalating tensions between the two countries, with Pakistan carrying out airstrikes at 10 locations in Afghanistan. Akbar expressed concerns that Islamabad cannot think of any solution other than war.
The airstrikes, which Pakistan claims were in response to drone attacks launched from Afghan territory, resulted in the deaths of at least four civilians, according to Kabul. Akbar highlighted the connection between Pakistan's actions and its past, stating that the Taliban was a creation of Pakistan. He questioned the justification for Pakistan's current actions against Afghanistan under a Taliban government.
Akbar noted that the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has evolved from periodic clashes to sustained warfare involving airstrikes and drones. He emphasized that the war is no longer limited to border areas but has expanded to include drone attacks. Pakistan has described its actions as self-defense, while Afghanistan's Taliban government has condemned the strikes and vowed an "appropriate response".
The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan is not isolated, according to Akbar, who drew parallels with the wider conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement. He mentioned the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, and suggested that Pakistan might seek help from Saudi Arabia under this pact against Afghanistan.
Akbar expressed concerns that the parallel conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the Houthis and Saudis, might intersect. He warned that the situation could lead to a broader conflict, with potential implications for regional and global security. The ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have raised concerns about the humanitarian situation and the impact on civilians.
The international community has been following the developments in the region closely, with various countries and organizations expressing concerns about the escalating violence. The situation remains volatile, with both Pakistan and Afghanistan vowing to take further action. Akbar's comments have sparked a renewed debate about Pakistan's approach to conflict resolution and its relationships with neighboring countries.
As the situation continues to unfold, the global community remains watchful, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The impact of the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on regional stability and global security will be closely monitored.
Key points
- MJ Akbar criticizes Pakistan's aggression against Afghanistan, saying war has become endemic to Pakistan's nature.
- The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has evolved from periodic clashes to sustained warfare involving airstrikes and drones.
- Akbar draws parallels between the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict and the wider conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement.
