Pakistan made a mistake in showing relations with the Taliban. A cup of tea in Kabul proved costly. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called it a 'Bhasmasur Moment'. The policies of ISI and the former government put the country at risk of terrorism and instability.
Pakistan: For decades, Pakistan interfered in Afghanistan's politics, considering it its strategic depth. However, the same Taliban has now become Pakistan's biggest headache. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a statement to the Senate, called it a 'Bhasmasur Moment'. He stated that drinking a cup of tea in Kabul proved very costly for Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar explained that in an attempt to show camaraderie with the Taliban, Pakistan made several mistakes, the consequences of which the country is still enduring. He made this remark in reference to the 2021 Kabul visit of the then ISI chief, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, upon his return from Afghanistan.
The Controversy over the Cup of Tea
Ishaq Dar stated that at that time, Pakistan's then-government and the ISI had met with Taliban officials and had tea in Kabul. This was an attempt to show that Pakistan stood with the Afghans. However, Dar admitted that this decision proved to be a major mistake for Pakistan. He added that the decision to open the border and show sympathy towards the Taliban proved costly.
He emphasized in the Senate that such a mistake should not be repeated, and Pakistan must now understand the true role of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the complex situation there.
Criticism of Imran Khan and ISI
Dar also criticized the role of the then PTI government and the ISI under Imran Khan's leadership. He stated that the policies of that time trapped Pakistan in the web of the Taliban's mercy and support in Afghanistan. Ishaq Dar clarified that Pakistan must now understand that the Taliban is not a controlled or friendly force, but rather its activities are now becoming a cause of threat to Pakistan.
He informed that due to Taliban-related activities, the number of terrorist attacks has increased in several parts of Pakistan. This includes organizations like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Fitna al-Khawarij, and the Balochistan Liberation Army.
What is the Story of Bhasmasur?
Ishaq Dar explained Pakistan's situation by linking it to the story of Bhasmasur. Bhasmasur received Lord Shiva's grace and, due to a boon, was incinerated by his own hands. Dar connected this to the relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban, stating that what Pakistan tried to control has now turned against it. This 'Bhasmasur Moment' is a serious warning for Pakistan.
A Lesson for Pakistan
Dar stated that Pakistan must now exercise considerable caution in understanding and controlling the Taliban. He warned that the influence of terrorist organizations operating from Afghanistan is increasing violence and instability in Pakistan. In this context, he said that Pakistan must further strengthen its security apparatus and border control.
