Posted On : Dec 26 2020

The ISI`s Complex Role in Afghanistan

The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan`s formidable intelligence agency, has played a multifaceted and often controversial role in neighbouring Afghanistan for decades.

This article delves into the ISI's activities in Afghanistan, examining its historical involvement, strategic objectives, and the impact it has had on the country's tumultuous landscape.

The ISI's involvement in Afghanistan traces back to the late 1970s when the Soviet Union invaded the country. Pakistan, backed by the United States, became a key player in the Afghan resistance against Soviet forces. The ISI was instrumental in coordinating and arming various Afghan mujahideen groups, including the likes of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Ahmad Shah Massoud.

With the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, Afghanistan descended into civil war, characterized by the power struggle among different mujahideen factions. During this period, the ISI continued to exert influence by supporting favoured factions, often through the provision of arms, training, and financial aid. This interference contributed to the instability that plagued Afghanistan.

The ISI's most controversial involvement in Afghanistan came with its support for the Taliban, a radical Islamist group that emerged in the early 1990s. Pakistan's ISI saw the Taliban as a strategic asset that could provide it with a friendly regime in Kabul and counter the influence of rival factions. The ISI's support for the Taliban culminated in their capture of Kabul in 1996.

Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States led an invasion of Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime and target Al-Qaeda. Pakistan, under international pressure, ostensibly joined the U.S. coalition against terror. However, questions persist about the ISI's role during this time. Some allege that elements within the ISI maintained covert support for the Taliban, leading to the group's resurgence in subsequent years.

In the post-2014 era, with the U.S. withdrawal, the ISI's influence in Afghanistan has grown more complex. It has maintained links with various Afghan factions, including the Taliban, while also seeking to broker peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Pakistan's strategic interests in Afghanistan, such as containing India's influence and ensuring a friendly government in Kabul, continue to shape its actions.

The ISI's role in facilitating peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban has been both praised and criticized. While it has been instrumental in bringing the parties to the negotiating table, some view its involvement with scepticism, given historical ties to the Taliban and concerns about hidden agendas.

The ISI's activities in Afghanistan remain a contentious issue. Balancing the need for stability in Afghanistan with its historical ties to militant groups is a delicate challenge for Pakistan. For Afghanistan, it presents an opportunity for constructive engagement with its neighbour while remaining vigilant about potential pitfalls.

The ISI's activities in Afghanistan have been marked by complexity and controversy. From its early involvement in the Afghan resistance against the Soviets to its role in supporting the Taliban and brokering peace talks, the ISI's actions have significantly shaped Afghanistan's trajectory. As Afghanistan navigates its post-U.S. era challenges, understanding the role of the ISI remains essential in achieving lasting stability in the region. Balancing the pursuit of strategic interests with regional stability will be key in determining the ISI's future role in Afghanistan.