Online Desk: There is no denying the fact that Wakhan Border offers multi-faceted geo-strategic and economic incentives to Pakistan. These incentives, by no means, can stir belligerent intentions by a country which has never been observed violating the sovereignty and integrity of its neighbours. While Pakistan realises the benefits attached to an access to this strategic passage to resource-rich Central Asian states in addressing its energy shortages for revival of its economic growth, it cannot violate its international obligations as a responsible member of global community.
Pakistan’s advantageous location at the confluence of South and Central Aasia makes it a connectivity hub. Pakistan is already accruing desired benefits inhibiting any further temptation at the cost of tarnishing its image as a responsible state. Triggering a well-crafted propaganda against Pakistan is favourite distraction of its Eastern neighbour India.
Indian perpetual efforts in discrediting Pakistan have always been an established norm – something that was exposed by credible global forums like EU Disinfo Lab in 2019. Indian assertion of Pakistan’s intentions of occupying the Wakhan Corridor encompass multiple nefarious objectives having negative implications for Pakistan in the region. It is crucial to evaluate India’s inimical propaganda with regards to the Wakhan Corridor.
The Wakhan Corridor is a critical strategic asset that provides Afghanistan with political and economic leverage – a fact that India wishes to manipulate playing on this sensitivity of Afghanistan. India is making concerted efforts in escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Owing to perilous security situation in its restive provinces of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Pakistan remains wary of Afghanistan’s patronage to terrorist groups operating in these regions. Pakistan’s grievances on use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups, expulsion of Afghans illegally residing in Pakistan, lack of efficient border management by Afghanistan and a host of other issues have caused a substantial commotion between both countries.
India, which had a significant clout in Afghanistan in the pre-Taliban regime days, is once again endeavouring to manage congenial relations with Afghan Interim Government (AIG). The accomplishment of this aspiration is only possible by creating mistrust between AIG and Pakistan. Pakistan has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and sovereignty. This commitment is frequently emphasised by the country’s military leadership – a fact vindicated by the Chief of Army Staff in a statement during his visit to Peshawar on 13 January 2025.
The ISPR Director General also explicitly affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, in his presser in December 2024. Pakistan’s efforts to host millions of Afghan refugees and its active support for Afghanistan’s reconstruction further demonstrate its unwavering focus on promoting stability in the region.
India’s ambition of acting as a counterweight to China is a cornerstone of its foreign policy. The Wakhan Corridor offers China a potential opening to enhance its economic and strategic influence in the region. By controlling the Wakhjir and Tegermansu passes, China can leverage its position to gain both economic and strategic benefits in the region.
