Margalla News | Special Analysis
A sharply critical column attributed to Ghiyasuddin Ghauri on the Afghan online outlet Al-Mirsad raises numerous questions about instability within Pakistan, military policy and air operations inside Afghanistan. The original column is titled "Insecurity in Pakistan: The Result of the Military Regime's Failed Policies!" Its author argues that blaming Afghanistan and using military force rather than addressing Pakistan's domestic political and economic problems may increase regional tensions.
In Ghauri's view, Pakistan's leadership has repeatedly treated relations with Afghanistan primarily as a security problem, while years of military operations at home have failed to bring violence to an end. He argues that this outcome must be examined not only through cross-border armed groups but also in light of political powers, civil rights, regional grievances and the historical continuity of state policy.
The writer also criticises airstrikes in Afghanistan and civilian harm. This issue is not limited to his personal statement: the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed 56 civilian deaths and 129 injuries from cross-border fighting and airstrikes on Afghan territory between February 26 and March 5, 2026. The UN also confirmed civilian deaths after operations on October 1. Those figures concern specified periods; they must not be treated as blanket verification of all strikes or every allegation.
Pakistani military and government officials defend such operations by citing the alleged presence of armed groups, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, on Afghan soil and deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad says its operations target militant bases and infrastructure. Afghan Taliban officials reject some of Pakistan's accusations and describe airstrikes as violations of sovereignty. The conflicting claims from the two sides require separate examination.
The original column goes further, alleging that some Pakistani state forces provided shelter, training or support to armed organisations. However, the supplied material does not provide verifiable official documents, court judgments or independent investigations supporting those serious allegations. They should therefore be understood as Ghauri's claims, not proven facts.
The column attempts to place various armed movements in Pakistan in the context of local deprivation and demands for rights. This is a debatable political interpretation. Legitimate grievances among local residents must be acknowledged, but they do not provide legal or moral justification for armed attacks against civilians, schools, marketplaces or police officers. A fundamental distinction must be maintained between peaceful political struggle and terrorism or armed violence.
The author also presents a positive picture of peace and stability in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power. In an August 2026 assessment, the UN acknowledged that overall security had improved compared with the country's prolonged war. At the same time, however, it identified restrictions on women's and girls' education, employment, movement and civil rights as major barriers to Afghanistan's development. Reduced wartime violence does not mean all Afghan citizens enjoy equal freedoms and rights.
The connection between Pakistan's economic difficulties and security concerns also deserves attention. Persistent armed tension, border trade closures, travel disruptions and an uncertain business climate affect both societies. But attributing all economic problems to one military institution, neighbouring country or political decision oversimplifies complex circumstances.
There remains a need for independent debate on the political role of Pakistan's state institutions, civil problems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, elected representation and sustainable counterterrorism strategies. At the same time, Afghan authorities should provide verifiable measures and information to address concerns that Afghan territory may be used for organised armed operations against other countries.
The priority for people in both countries should be independent investigations into civilian harm, the exchange of specific evidence concerning border security, keeping trade routes open wherever possible and maintaining diplomatic channels for resolving disputes. It is legitimate to question failures of any state or abuses by another, but unverified allegations, collective hatred and justifications for armed violence are no substitute for peace.
Editorial note: This article is Margalla News' independent written and research-based review of a column attributed to Ghiyasuddin Ghauri on Al-Mirsad. It is neither a word-for-word reproduction nor a full translation of the original column. Direct access to the original webpage was not possible during the review; the column's text and attribution were based on information supplied by a user. Serious political allegations have remained attributed to their author, and Margalla News does not present them as independently established facts.