Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing overwhelmed as Afghans face expulsion
ReutersOCT 2023
The Spin
Narrative A
Pakistan has found itself within a cauldron of complex and intricate security threats, undermined by both domestic terrorists and the foreign administrations that support their progress. Afghanistan poses serious questions against Islamabad, which continues to suffer regularly from sectarian and militant killings internally. Pakistan must rethink and reform its defense strategy.
Narrative B
Pakistan continues to portray itself as the victim of Afghan-led aggression, but in reality, the state continues to engage in border hostility in an unsuccessful attempt to bully Kabul into being subservient to Islamabad's strategic interests. The reactive behavior of Afghan forces, as well as that of the TTP, are a consequence of Pakistan's failed regional policies and a continued conflict-focused mindset.