Afghanistan's Growing Armed Resistance
OpinionThe Taliban's Challenge and Pakistan's Security Concerns
By Major (R) Haroon Rasheed. Defense and strategic analyst specializing in South Asian military dynamics, deterrence strategy, and defense modernization, and a member of the Research and Evaluation Cell for Advancing Basic Amenities.
He is a former Pakistan Army officer with experience and research interests spanning military affairs, strategic studies, geopolitics, national security, conflict history, and regional security dynamics. He is also associated with research and social-development activities. He is a builder and developer and philanthropist running many madrassas and schools throughout Pakistan.
Introduction
Five years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the country is witnessing the emergence of multiple armed resistance movements challenging Taliban authority. What initially appeared to be a consolidated victory for the Taliban is increasingly complicated by internal opposition, international isolation, economic difficulties, and deteriorating relations with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan.
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The growing resistance presents a new dimension to Afghanistan's political and security landscape. More importantly, the Taliban's alleged tolerance and protection of anti-Pakistan terrorist organisations have transformed Pakistan's approach towards the Afghan regime.
Different Armed Movements Against the Taliban
The armed opposition to the Taliban is no longer restricted to one organisation or geographical area. Several resistance groups have emerged, including the National Resistance Front (NRF) led by Ahmad Massoud, the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) associated with former Afghan military leadership, and the recently active Afghanistan United Front (AUF).
Other formations, including the Homeland Soldiers' Front, Afghanistan Republican Front and Freedom and Justice Movement, have also claimed operations against Taliban positions.
These groups largely comprise former Afghan security personnel, military officers, political opponents, and individuals dissatisfied with Taliban governance. Their activities include guerrilla attacks, ambushes, targeted operations, and assaults on Taliban installations.
Reports of increased resistance activity, particularly in Badakhshan and other northern provinces, indicate that opposition to Taliban rule has not disappeared.Tarbela Dam Tunnel Incident: Water Inflow Contained, No Casualties Reported
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However, these organisations remain fragmented, lack unified leadership, and possess limited military resources. They have yet to establish control over significant territory.
Nevertheless, the growing number of resistance formations indicates that the Taliban can not assume that its political and military control will remain unchallenged indefinitely.
Shelter of Terrorist Organisations: Pakistan's Major Concern
Pakistan's principal concern is the presence and operational freedom of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) inside Afghanistan.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban authorities of providing safe havens, protection, and operational space to TTP militants responsible for terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. These allegations have become a major source of tension between the two countries.
Importantly, Pakistan's concerns are not based solely on its own statements. United Nations monitoring reports and the US government's Operation Enduring Sentinel reporting have also highlighted the presence and activities of terrorist organisations in Afghanistan, including the TTP.
The Afghan Taliban's failure to address these concerns has seriously damaged bilateral confidence. Pakistan expects Kabul to honor its international commitments and prevent Afghan territory from being used against its neighbors.
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The contradiction is particularly disturbing: a government that fought a prolonged insurgency against foreign forces is now accused of allowing another militant organisation to conduct cross-border terrorism against Pakistan.
Pakistan's long-standing assistance to Afghanistan
Pakistan's contribution to Afghanistan can not be ignored. For more than four decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, providing shelter, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities despite its own financial and security challenges.
Pakistan also played an important role in diplomatic initiatives, regional engagement, and humanitarian assistance concerning Afghanistan. Its territory served as a major refuge for Afghans during decades of conflict.
Following the Taliban's return to Kabul in 2021, Pakistan initially hoped that a stable and friendly government would emerge, ensuring regional cooperation, border security, and economic connectivity.
Unfortunately, the relationship has moved in the opposite direction. Instead of appreciating Pakistan's historical assistance, the Afghan Taliban leadership has increasingly adopted a confrontational position over security issues, border management, and Pakistan's legitimate concerns regarding terrorism.
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This deterioration represents a serious strategic disappointment for Islamabad.
Future Prospects
The future of Afghanistan remains uncertain. The expanding armed opposition could gradually create greater pressure on the Taliban, particularly if different resistance organisations overcome their political differences and establish a common platform.
However, it would be premature to predict the collapse of the Taliban regime. The movement continues to control state institutions, security structures, and major population centers. The resistance lacks the unity, resources, and territorial strength required to replace the existing government.
For Pakistan, the priority should remain eliminating cross-border terrorism rather than becoming involved in another prolonged Afghan conflict. Diplomatic engagement, international pressure, effective border management, and intelligence cooperation must remain central elements of its policy.
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Pakistan must also maintain a balanced approach towards Afghanistan's different political and ethnic communities while supporting an inclusive political settlement.
Conclusion
Afghanistan's history demonstrates that military victory does not automatically guarantee political stability. The Taliban may have captured Kabul, but it has yet to establish universally accepted governance or eliminate internal opposition.
Its continued failure to address terrorist safe havens, particularly those threatening Pakistan, could further isolate Kabul and intensify regional tensions.
Pakistan has extended extraordinary assistance to Afghanistan over several decades. It is now reasonable for Islamabad to expect reciprocal responsibility, respect, and cooperation.
The Taliban must understand that sustainable relations with Pakistan can not coexist with tolerance for organisations conducting terrorism against its people. Afghanistan's stability, regional peace, and economic prosperity ultimately depend on abandoning confrontation and embracing responsible neighborly relations.
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By Major (R) Haroon Rasheed. Defense and strategic analyst specializing in South Asian military dynamics, deterrence strategy, and defense modernization, and a member of the Research and Evaluation Cell for Advancing Basic Amenities.
He is a former Pakistan Army officer with experience and research interests spanning military affairs, strategic studies, geopolitics, national security, conflict history, and regional security dynamics. He is also associated with research and social-development activities. He is a builder and developer and philanthropist running many madrassas and schools throughout Pakistan.
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