Pakistani Senator: Islamabad’s Afghanistan policy has failed

Former Pakistani senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has openly criticized Pakistan's approach to Afghanistan, declaring that Islamabad's policy towards its neighbor has failed. Speaking on Sunday, Syed told Aaj News that Pakistan has misunderstood the Afghan people, stating, "Pakistan could not understand the people of Afghanistan; they are Afghans, not your men."

His remarks underscore growing dissatisfaction within Pakistan regarding its relationship with Afghanistan, particularly as the Taliban consolidates power following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Syed emphasized the need for Pakistan to reassess its interactions with the Taliban and simultaneously address the issue of terrorism in the region, which continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability.

This criticism comes shortly after Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, acknowledged Islamabad's ongoing differences with the Taliban. Despite these challenges, Akram reiterated Pakistan's commitment to maintaining engagement with the Taliban regime, signaling that Islamabad is not yet prepared to sever ties with Afghanistan's de facto rulers.

Syed's comments reflect a growing debate within Pakistan about the effectiveness of its policies toward Afghanistan, as the country grapples with security concerns and the complexities of its relationship with the Taliban.