Pakistan’s Hidden Fight to Reinforce Control Over Rebellious Taliban
Pakistan faces a critical strategic challenge as it seeks to re-establish dominance over the fractured Taliban, balancing its economic reliance on China with its longstanding political and security ties to the United States. Despite significant Chinese investments aimed at reviving the economy, Pakistan’s historical dependence on US-backed projects has made it vulnerable to American pressure and influence within the Taliban. The recent visits of Pakistan’s army chief to Washington signal Islamabad’s efforts to retain vital US backing while simultaneously trying to expand its economic partnership with China.
Kokcha News Agency: In recent years, Pakistan has been grappling with two major crises: severe economic collapse and the increasing strength of separatist movements in Balochistan and Pashtun regions, notably the TTP (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan). While Beijing’s massive investments promised a route out of the economic downturn, Pakistan’s deep-rooted dependence on the U.S. over decades has obstructed progress. Historically, Pakistan has profited from acting as a mediator for American-led projects in the region, earning substantial income; however, this reliance has also made it susceptible to American pressures.
One of the core issues Pakistan faces with certain Taliban factions is their role as rivals—competing with Islamabad over implementing U.S. strategic interests. As Taliban leaders learned the rules of engagement during their detention at Guantanamo, their unpredictable and rebellious faction has become a significant concern for Pakistan. The recent visits of General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Army Chief, to Washington reflect Islamabad’s attempt to maintain its strategic position by strengthening US relations amid its fragile political landscape.
Economically, Pakistan desperately needs Chinese investments to recover from its crisis. However, it is cautious not to antagonize Washington, leading Islamabad to pursue a dual-track policy: maintaining a strategic partnership with the U.S. while expanding economic ties with China. To succeed, Pakistan must discipline or contain the faction of the Taliban that refuses to obey Islamabad’s authority and has engaged autonomously with global intelligence agencies.
One of the tools Pakistan considers is supporting opposition groups that oppose the rebellious Taliban factions. An upcoming meeting in Islamabad, involving prominent anti-Taliban figures, is seen as part of this strategy. While it remains unclear whether Islamabad’s recent negotiations with Washington include plans for a new regional project in Afghanistan, such moves have already sparked anxiety among Taliban leadership.
The reactions of global actors like Zalmay Khalilzad, who acts as the primary American lobbyist for the Taliban within US institutions, illustrate the delicate balance at play. Pakistan’s desire to remain a key regional power hinges on its ability to influence and control the Taliban, with its success depending on the Taliban’s behavior, China’s stance, and the opposition that could emerge against Taliban radicals.
In essence, Pakistan is engaged in a covert struggle to regain influence over the Taliban, a crucial element in its broader regional strategy which involves maintaining its relations with both Washington and Beijing without alienating either. The outcome depends heavily on the Taliban’s internal dynamics, regional reactions, and how opposition groups in Afghanistan can be mobilized.
