*Islamabad (News Desk)* – Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National ResistanceFront (NRF) of Afghanistan, has signaled an interest in forging a *strategicalliance with Pakistan* against the Taliban regime, citing a dramatic risein terrorism within Pakistan since the group’s takeover of Kabul in August2021.
According to official Pakistani government reports, *terrorist attacks onPakistani soil have increased by 500%* over the last four years. Many ofthese incidents are attributed to groups operating under Taliban influence,including factions of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Massoud has positioned the NRF as a natural partner for Islamabad, arguingthat both sides share common interests in confronting extremist elementsthat threaten regional security. He believes a Pakistan–NRF partnershipcould decisively weaken the Taliban regime and curb cross-border militancy.Implications for Pakistan
Analysts suggest that Massoud’s offer presents Islamabad with both*opportunitiesand risks*:
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*Security Cooperation:* Collaboration with the NRF could help Pakistan directly address the TTP threat, which has intensified along the Pak-Afghan border. –
*Geopolitical Repercussions:* Aligning with the NRF may strain Pakistan’s already complex relationship with the Taliban government in Kabul and could provoke a strong reaction from pro-Taliban factions. –
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*Regional Balancing:* The move may bring Pakistan closer to countries like Iran, India, and Russia, who have been wary of the Taliban’s consolidation of power. –
*Strategic Leverage:* Partnering with the NRF may provide Islamabad with bargaining power in future negotiations with Kabul.
What’s Next?
While Pakistan has not officially responded to Massoud’s overture, securityexperts say that a shift in policy may be inevitable if militant violencecontinues to escalate. Whether Islamabad views the NRF as a viable ally oras a geopolitical liability remains to be seen.
For now, Massoud’s statement underscores the growing *convergence ofinterests between Pakistan and Afghan opposition groups*, united by acommon goal of weakening terrorist networks that threaten regional peace.