In a move signaling heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, the Pakistani government has removed its special representative to Afghanistan, Asif Durrani. According to an official notification, Durrani was relieved of his responsibilities on September 10th, 2023. While no official reason was given, reports suggest that Durrani’s appointment, which began in May 2023, failed to significantly improve the relationship between the two countries.
Sources indicate that Durrani’s efforts were met with limited success in Kabul, as he struggled to engage with the Taliban-led interim government. Some reports even suggest that he lacked acceptance within the Afghan leadership. Additionally, sources point to Durrani’s limited tools and the overall strategy being implemented by Pakistan as contributing factors to his lack of impact.
The Dawn newspaper reported that Pakistan’s powerful military expressed dissatisfaction with Durrani’s performance. It was also revealed that Durrani himself grew frustrated with the situation, as his policy advice was regularly ignored by those in positions of authority.
Durrani confirmed his departure in a text message, expressing gratitude to the Pakistani leadership for the opportunity to serve his country.
The post of special envoy for Afghanistan was created in June 2020 after the US-Taliban Doha Accord. The envoy was tasked with engaging with the Taliban and other countries involved in Afghanistan.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have become increasingly strained in recent times. This is largely attributed to the frequent attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has long been a source of instability in the region. Border skirmishes between the two countries have also contributed to the deteriorating relationship.
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in terrorist activity. Hopes in Islamabad that a friendly government in Afghanistan would help curb militancy have been dashed. The Pakistani government has repeatedly accused the TTP of operating from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, a claim denied by the Afghan Taliban.
The removal of Asif Durrani further underscores the complexities of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship. The future of relations between the two countries remains uncertain, with ongoing security concerns and a lack of trust casting a shadow over any potential for cooperation.
