Recently, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have taken a most tragic turn as the exchanges of heated words between the two countries turned into fatal border clashes. For two countries that constantly reiterate the fact that they are brotherly Muslim neighbours, such failures of diplomacy are simply inexcusable on both sides. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s troubles do not end at the Durand Line. Relations with Iran are deeply troubled too, with Tehran claiming that it will look into cross-border strikes within Pakistani territory if Islamabad cannot clamp down on the activities of the Jaishul-Adl terrorist group. Tehran holds such groups responsible for deadly clashes with security forces in its own territory, and for violent unrest in its Sistan-Balochistan province bordering Pakistan. Pakistan, meanwhile, has implied Iranian collusion with espionage and destabilisation activities within its territory, especially regarding the Kulbhushan Yadhav episode. Both Pakistan and Iran essentially accuse each other of much the same sort of thing — much like Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, poor relations with India need no elaboration here. Currently, therefore, three out of Pakistan’s four immediate neighbours are anything but favourably inclined towards us. Such circumstances ought to lead, at the very least, to an intense and critical review of our foreign policy: on the part of both the civilian government and the security establishment of the country.
