Rude Awakening: Pakistan’s Limited Leverage Over the Afghan Taliban
The return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan in August 2021 was a watershed moment that was met with apprehension by the international community. The reaction in Pakistan, however, was notably different as it was optimistic. Then Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Afghanistan had broken free from the “shackles of slavery”, welcoming it as an opportunity to foster a supportive regime next door.
© 2026 The Durand Dispatch
Observer Subscribers Only
Subscribe to read this Observer article
Create an account and subscribe to read the full piece, plus access the complete archive.
Already a subscriber? Sign in