Afghanistan's complex history has culminated in a precarious situation, following the Fitna Al Khawarij (infamously known as Taliban)’s return to power in 2021. The withdrawal of U.S. forces left behind sophisticated arms and weapons, only to be exploited by militant groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), adding to the security risks for neighboring Pakistan. The perennial instability and  controversial "Lar o Bar" slogan/ idea, threatens regional peace and underscores the urgent need for bilateral cooperative security efforts.

Afghanistan, nestled at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, has long been a battleground for the world powers. Known as the "graveyard of empires," it has witnessed the fall of some of the most dominant global forces—the British Empire, the Soviet Union, and, most recently, the United States. Each power sought control over Afghanistan, but none could sustain it. The reasons are numerous, but the country's harsh terrain, complex tribal dynamics, and resilient people have played key roles in driving out the foreign powers. Yet, the story of Afghanistan's struggle is far from over, and its effects ripple far beyond its borders, particularly in neighboring Pakistan.

When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, it ensued a decade of bitter conflict. Afghan resistance fighters, known as the Mujahideen, waged a relentless guerrilla war against the Soviet forces, with backing from the U.S. and other Western powers. The war drained Soviet resources, contributed to the collapse of the USSR, and left Afghanistan in ruins. Decades later, after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. came in, aiming to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. For two decades thereon, American forces stayed in Afghanistan, attempting to build a democratic government and a stable society. However, when the U.S. abruptly withdrew in August 2021, the consequences were dire.

The U.S. withdrawal, marked by scenes of chaos and desperation at Kabul Airport, left behind more than just unfinished business. In their haste to leave, U.S. forces abandoned a massive stockpile of military equipment—advanced weaponry, armored vehicles, and drones—that quickly fell into the hands of the Taliban. This development not only emboldened the Taliban but also became a serious security concern for the region. Even more worrying, groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) started to exploit the situation, accessing the left behind weapons, which they are using now to fuel their terror actions.

A looming security threat for Pakistan

The swift return of the Taliban to power in August 2021 caught the world by surprise. After the Afghan National Army(ANA) collapsed and Kabul fell, the Taliban or Fitna Al Khwarij (FaK) again declared themselves as the rulers of Afghanistan. Their takeover of the country sent shockwaves across the region. With the elected government dissolved, a power vacuum emerged, providing a breeding ground for extremist groups. The Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law has led to widespread human rights abuses, particularly against women and minorities, tarnishing any hope for the Afghanistan that many had hoped to build after years of conflict.

Pakistan, Afghanistan’s adjacent neighbor and historically its closest ally, now finds itself grappling with the consequences of the Taliban’s rise. For decades, Pakistan has borne the burden of Afghanistan’s instability, hosting millions of Afghan refugees and offering both humanitarian and military aid. But the resurgence of militant groups like TTP/ FaK, now emboldened by the Taliban's return, poses a direct and immediate threat to Pakistan’s security.

Then there is the thorny issue of "Lar o Bar," a nationalist idea that has long existed on the fringes of Pashtun politics. The phrase, literally meaning "here and there," reflects the dream of uniting Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line, the border drawn between Pakistan and Afghanistan during British rule. While the notion might resonate with cultural pride, it’s a direct threat to Pakistan’s territorial integrity. If the idea gains ground, it could fan separatist movements in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province that shares a significant Pashtun population with Afghanistan. 

For Pakistan, “Lar o Bar” is not just a political issue, it’s a looming security threat. The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stretching over 2,600 km, is essentially porous and thus difficult to secure completely. Despite the ongoing efforts to fence off the border and increase surveillance, illegal crossings continue to provide for the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and other contraband items.  TTP/ FaK have been taking advantage of the Taliban’s rise and launching attacks on Pakistan soil while operating from Afghan territory. It uses the border’s gaps and patronage of the Taliban government in Afghanistan to further their nefarious designs.

Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Taliban government to address this issue and prevent militant groups from using Afghanistan as a safe haven. Though the Taliban government has pledged that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism, their control on terror groups actually is non-existent. The TTP, emboldened by the chaos in Afghanistan and armed with some of the sophisticated weapons and equipment left behind by the U.S., continues to strike at Pakistan’s heart, testing the resilience of its security forces and putting further strain on an already fragile region.

Need for stable and secure Afghanistan

Both countries know that securing the border is key to maintaining peace. Pakistan has ramped up its efforts to fortify its own side of the border, constructing fences, deploying more troops, and increasing surveillance. Yet, physical barriers alone are not enough. What’s needed is a cooperative arrangement between Afghanistan and Pakistan to tackle cross-border militancy by jointly dismantling the networks which sustain terror groups. Joint intelligence-sharing, military coordination, and diplomatic engagement will remain crucial steps in this direction.

For Pakistan, this is a matter of national security, but for Afghanistan it’s a test of its rulers’ ability to govern. If the Taliban are serious about preventing their country from becoming a haven for terrorism, they must show a commitment to cracking down on groups like the TTP/ FaK. Failing to do so will only further isolate Afghanistan from the international community, hindering any chances of rebuilding a war-torn nation.

The stakes are high for both nations. Pakistan has long been a supporter of peace in Afghanistan, offering aid and diplomacy, but the rise of militant groups like the TTP has complicated the situation. With the added challenge of the “Lar o Bar”, threatening to stoke unrest in Pakistan’s Pashtun regions, the need for a stable and secure Afghanistan has never been more urgent.

Afghanistan’s history as a graveyard of empires offers a sobering reminder of the complexities of the region. The legacy of the U.S. withdrawal—abandoned weaponry, the empowerment of the Taliban, and the resurgence of militant groups—has left Pakistan and Afghanistan facing a precarious future. Yet, there remains a glimmer of hope. Through cooperation, joint security efforts, and a shared commitment to peace, both countries can navigate these challenges and ensure a more stable future for the region.

The path to peace will not be easy, but it is a path that both Afghanistan and Pakistan must walk together. Without collective action, the threat of terrorism, insurgency, and instability will continue to cast a long shadow over both nations.

(The author is a visiting faculty at the Department of Politics and International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad, (IIUI). She holds an MS in Strategic Studies from Air University Islamabad. Views are personal. She can be contacted at saranazeer2@gmail.com )