Pakistan's Security Crises Stem From Own Strategic Choices

Pakistan's current security crisis, marked by tensions with Afghanistan, confrontation with India, and persistent domestic militant violence, is largely attributed to its own long-standing strategic decisions. The deterioration of relations with the Afghan Taliban and the resurgence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are presented as evidence that the doctrine of "strategic depth" and selective engagement with militant groups have ultimately resulted in strategic blowback rather than security.

The analysis highlights a contradiction where Pakistan condemns India's coercive tactics while employing its own methods like airstrikes, border closures, and trade restrictions against Afghanistan over cross-border militancy. Simultaneously, violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, alongside the presence of ISIS-K, al-Qaeda, and other armed networks, underscores the fragmented and difficult-to-control nature of the regional militant environment.

The conclusion drawn is that even strong relationships with China and Turkey cannot shield Pakistan from the consequences of these policies. The current predicament reflects the accumulated costs of relying on strategic depth, differentiated approaches to militancy, and coercion over sustainable political settlements.

The situation has escalated in 2026, with Pakistan conducting airstrikes in Afghanistan to contain TTP threats and pressuring the Kabul administration. Meanwhile, tensions with India remain frozen, and the internal security situation continues to be challenging. While Pakistan's relations with China and Turkey are stable, they are insufficient to offset the negative repercussions of the country's past strategic choices.