Ahmad Shah Massoud’s life embodied both heroism and controversy. Celebrated as the Lion of Panjshir for his defiance of the Soviets and Taliban, he was also criticized for his role in Afghanistan’s civil war and the atrocities linked to his forces. His legacy endures as a symbol of resistance and division alike.
Since the Taliban’s return in 2021, Afghanistan has plunged into isolation, economic collapse, and humanitarian disaster. Security threats from ISKP, worsening poverty, healthcare breakdown, the rollback of women’s rights, and mass displacement have left millions facing unprecedented hardship.
Afghanistan’s descent into chaos has transformed into a global crisis, driven by terrorism, narcotics, and human suffering. Since the Taliban’s return, the country has re-emerged as a dangerous incubator for extremist groups and a global hub for narcotics production, creating a vicious cycle that threatens regional stability and international security alike.
A two-day peace conference in Islamabad sparked Afghan criticism, yet Kabul itself shelters groups like the TTP and BLA, fueling instability.
India has exploited Afghanistan’s chaos for decades, using it as a base for covert operations and proxy warfare against Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s internal chaos has turned it into a battleground for proxy warfare, with India and Israel allegedly exploiting its instability to target Pakistan, Iran, and regional connectivity projects like CPEC.
The August 2025 visit of Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister to Islamabad highlights urgent talks on TTP militancy, stalled trade, and refugee repatriation, underscoring the intertwined security and economic challenges shaping Afghanistan-Pakistan relations today.
Afghanistan has pledged to disarm and relocate the TTP—a potential breakthrough in regional counterterrorism efforts.
The Afghan Taliban promised peace to the world, but their return to power has fuelled a surge of TTP violence in Pakistan. Why does a government seeking legitimacy refuse to act against its terrorist allies, and what complex forces shape this dangerous and calculated decision?
Airpower and counterterrorism evolve as Pakistan fights terrorism in Afghanistan with airstrikes, intelligence, and advanced tech.