Afghanistan’s Success in its Plot Against Pakistan

Article by: Abdullah Jan Sabir

Journalist and researcher Waqar Mustafa recently wrote a research story for the BBC titled “The Pashtunistan Dispute and Afghan Army’s Attack on Pakistan.” In this investigative piece, Mustafa referenced several historians and researchers. Given that the story was published by the BBC, it cannot easily be criticized by nationalist or anti-Pakistan factions, as international media is highly regarded by them. Mustafa cited David Gartenstein-Ross and Tara Vassefi’s article “The Forgotten History of Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations,” in which they referred to George Montaigne, a visiting professor of American history at Karachi University. Montaigne stated that in the years following Pakistan’s formation, large sums of money, ammunition, and even transistor radios were distributed in Pakistan’s border regions at the behest of the Afghan government to change local loyalties.

The report also mentions the September 30, 1950 attack, where Afghan forces, along with local collaborators, entered Pakistan about 30 miles northeast of Chaman in Balochistan. These forces were pushed back across the border after six days of fighting. Mustafa also detailed the Afghan army’s attacks in Bajaur and Dir in the 1960s, noting that these forces didn’t just attack with guns but aimed to incite rebellion among the tribal population. However, the combined efforts of tribal people, security forces, and local leaders thwarted their plans.

This BBC report highlights two key points: First, from the outset, Afghanistan has worked with other hostile forces to oppose Pakistan and incite rebellion among its tribal population. Second, during the 1950s and 60s, Afghanistan’s attacks were consistently foiled, thanks in large part to the cooperation of Pakistan’s tribal people. During that period, the tribal population and the Pakistani military were united, with the military viewing the defense of the nation as its duty, often making significant sacrifices.

When comparing past and present conditions, it becomes clear that Afghanistan has largely succeeded in its plot to turn the Pashtun people against the Pakistani military and state. This success has been the long-standing aim of hostile forces like the CIA, RAW, and others. Whether or not Pakistan’s leadership acknowledges it, many of the tribes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are now opposed to Pakistan.

As a journalist who has been active in the tribal districts for the last eight years, I have studied the ground realities and am well aware of the true sentiments of the local people. Tribal residents have grown so disillusioned that, if given the opportunity, they would likely oppose Pakistan without hesitation. Our flawed policies and failure to treat the war of ideas seriously have turned the tribal population into a powder keg, ready to be exploited by enemy forces.

Despite my knowledge of the situation on the ground, it is unfortunate that all governmental agencies operating in the tribal districts are busy painting a rosy picture for their superiors, creating the false impression that tribal residents are content and have no grievances. On top of that, Pakistan has been losing the war of ideas due to the appointment of unqualified and unserious individuals to manage this crucial aspect. As a tribal Pakistani, I urge Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the issues and grievances of the tribal districts and to take the hybrid warfare threat seriously. This is the need of the hour.