Since foreign troops began withdrawing from Afghanistan in May, the Taliban have carried out a sweeping military campaign and gained control of much of the country.
Over the past six days, the insurgents have overrun nine provincial capitals across the country, most of them clustered in the north, in a major escalation of their military offensive and a devastating setback for the Afghan government.
Meanwhile, the government in Afghanistan has squarely put the blame on Pakistan for the mayhem in the country. This is because the Afghan officials believe that without help from Pakistan, the Taliban could not possibly takeover Afghanistan.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani chose to spark a war of words between Kabul and Islamabad in recent weeks after declaring Pakistan has played a “negative role in the Afghan conflict”.
What areas do the Taliban now control?
Since the Taliban began their military offensive in May, the insurgents have captured more than half of Afghanistan’s 400-odd districts, according to New York Times.
In recent weeks, after sweeping through much of Afghanistan’s countryside, the insurgents started besieging multiple provincial capitals simultaneously for the first time in the 20-year war.
On Friday, the Taliban captured Zaranj, a provincial capital near the border with Iran, after facing little resistance from Afghan security forces. A day later, they captured another capital, Sheberghan, the northern stronghold of the warlord Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum.
On Sunday, Taliban forces seized three more northern capitals. They captured Taliqan, the capital of Takhar Province, and Sar-i-Pul. They also seized Kunduz, the largest city captured to date and a vital commercial hub.
The Taliban continued their relentless drive on Monday, overrunning Aybak, the capital of Samangan Province. Then on Tuesday, insurgents seized three more capitals: Farah; Pul-i-Khumri and Faizabad. Today (Thursday), the Taliban have taken the strategic Afghan city of Ghazni just 150 kilometres from Kabul.
Afghan’s allegations and Pakistan role
Some Afghan leaders blame neighboring Pakistan for Taliban gains. Even Afghan President Ashraf Ghani raised an accusing finger at Pakistan alleging that Pakistan was not supporting peace in Afghanistan.
However, this effort to continually blame Pakistan is not only contrary to the evidence available on the ground but also presents a misleading narrative that masks the failures of the Afghan government itself.
Oft neglected is the role of rampant corruption that delegitimised the Afghan government in the districts, allowing for an easy takeover by the Taliban. Rather than solely relying on brute force, the Taliban is by and large seizing territory swiftly and regularly via local political deals over which Pakistan has no possible control.
In fact, Pakistan has been helping the Afghan National Army. Dozens of Afghan soldiers have crossed the border into Pakistan to escape Taliban attacks. In each instance, Pakistan has provided haven to the Afghan soldiers and returned them to Afghan authorities with respect and dignity.
Why Afghanistan is blaming Pakistan?
Blaming Pakistan as the force behind the Taliban is a useful tool to shift the burden of responsibility away from the colossal governance blunders of the Afghan government.
Pakistan, in spite of the hostility shown by the Afghan government, is ready to promote peace efforts in Afghanistan. As Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has said, “the country that is going to be most affected by turmoil in Afghanistan is Pakistan”, so there is still space for a negotiated political settlement for long-term peace.
