For half a century, Pakistan stood as Afghanistan’s big brother. It sheltered more than five million Afghan refugees, provided them homes, jobs, education, and security. But in October 2025, that long history of support was shaken by a betrayal that cut deep.
A Friendship Turned Nightmare
Imagine helping your neighbor for 50 years, only to find them sitting in your enemy’s house, smiling, and planning to hurt you. While Pakistani soldiers were defending the border against terrorist attacks, Afghanistan’s foreign minister was in India — Pakistan’s rival — signing trade agreements and strengthening diplomatic ties.
The Hidden War That Changed Everything
This betrayal didn’t happen overnight. It was part of a larger geopolitical strategy. After India failed to destabilize Pakistan directly, it turned to proxy warfare. The plan focused on Balochistan, a region rich in natural resources and central to CPEC.
The strategy was simple: fund separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), train them in Afghanistan, and coordinate attacks from the west while India stayed in the east.
Numbers That Don’t Lie
- Over 5 million Afghan refugees have lived in Pakistan since the 1980s — roughly the population of Norway.
- Pakistan spent billions on housing, food, education, and healthcare.
- Pakistan supported Afghanistan during the Soviet war, the US invasion, and the Taliban’s rise.
But when Pakistan needed Afghanistan to stop harboring terrorists, the Taliban government turned away.
Trump’s Thank You Call
When Pakistan captured and handed over a terrorist who killed American soldiers, President Trump personally called to thank Islamabad. While the US recognized Pakistan’s role in fighting terrorism, Afghanistan’s foreign minister was in New Delhi building ties with India.
India’s Playbook in Balochistan
- Target: Balochistan’s mineral wealth and CPEC routes.
- Method: Use Afghan soil to train, fund, and coordinate separatist attacks.
- Evidence: Satellite phone records and communications traced back to Afghan soil.
The BLA even offered to act as India’s western military arm.
Afghanistan’s Diplomatic Dance with India
While Pakistan faced attacks allegedly launched from Afghan soil, Afghanistan’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in India. He praised the Taliban’s victory over NATO and strengthened economic ties with New Delhi. For Pakistan, this was more than a snub. It was a declaration of new allegiances.
Refugee Reality Check
Pakistan hosted Afghan families for decades, providing schools, hospitals, and opportunities. Many Afghans built their lives in Pakistan. But when Pakistan asked for cooperation against terrorism, Afghanistan chose silence.
Pakistan’s Breaking Point
In October 2025, after coordinated terrorist attacks, Pakistan launched Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar. It destroyed multiple camps and killed over 200 militants. Twenty-one hostile positions were captured. Pakistan made its stance clear: no more tolerance for betrayal under the name of friendship.
Global Recognition
President Trump’s public thanks to Pakistan highlighted who was fighting terrorism and who was enabling it. The US designated the BLA as a terrorist group. European countries began recognizing Pakistan’s role in maintaining regional security.
Why This Matters
This is not just a story of two neighbors. It’s about loyalty, betrayal, and shifting alliances. Pakistan learned the hard way that goodwill doesn’t always mean loyalty.
The New Reality
Pakistan has drawn its line. It will defend its sovereignty at any cost. Afghanistan may have gained an economic partner in India, but it lost a trusted ally.
Trust, once broken, takes generations to rebuild. Fifty years of friendship vanished in one diplomatic season.
Author’s Note: This is a pivotal moment in South Asian geopolitics. If you have thoughts, counterpoints, or analysis, share them below. Let’s keep the conversation factual and insightful.
Top comments (0)