Pakistan Played Key Role in Taliban’s Rise, says US Congress

DID Press: Afghanistan War Commission affiliated with the U.S. House of Representatives said in its new report that Pakistan played a central role in strengthening the Taliban insurgency and facilitating the group’s return to power.

Afghanistan War Commission, established by the U.S. House in 2021, said in its second official report that Pakistan significantly contributed to the Taliban’s rebuilding and empowerment by supporting and giving them safe havens.

The report, which reviews developments in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, notes that Pakistan initially cooperated in counterterrorism operations and the provision of logistical routes for coalition forces. However, it later diverged from U.S. policies toward the Taliban, a shift that challenged Washington’s efforts to counter the insurgency and stabilize Afghanistan.

According to the report, after 2005, the Taliban enjoyed safe havens in Pakistani territory. Rising domestic discontent within Afghanistan help them expand their influence. This ultimately culminated in the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

The report also highlighted that the U.S. focus on the Iraq War diverted critical resources and attention from Afghanistan, turning the counterterrorism mission into a broader nation-building project.

This initiative failed due to Afghanistan’s heavy reliance on foreign aid, weak domestic institutions, and lack of coordination among U.S. agencies, the commission noted.

Furthermore, the report concluded that the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces without establishing sustainable infrastructure led to a severe economic crisis and the rapid collapse of the Afghanistan government.