Introduction: A Symbol of Division
In the rugged mountains of Khost, near the contested Durand Line, stands the Haqqania Mosque—a site once synonymous with Taliban–Pakistan unity. Now, it embodies their escalating feud. Once a training ground for militants backed by Pakistan’s ISI, the mosque and its adjoining madrasa reflect the Taliban’s defiant shift since retaking Afghanistan in 2021.
The Rise and Rupture of an Alliance
For decades, Pakistan armed and sheltered the Taliban, using the Haqqania network as a recruitment pipeline for anti-Soviet and anti-Western fighters. Key figures like Sirajuddin Haqqani, now Afghanistan’s interior minister, trained here. But today, the Taliban reject Pakistan’s demands, refusing to recognize the Durand Line as a border and sheltering the anti-Pakistan TTP militants.
Key Quote:
“Pakistan expected a puppet regime. Instead, the Taliban are asserting their sovereignty,” says Ahmad Rashid, a regional militancy expert.
Pakistan’s Strategic Blowback
Pakistan faces a crisis of its own making:
– Border Disputes: Taliban-led Afghanistan rejects the Durand Line, stoking territorial tensions.
– Militant Havens: The TTP, emboldened by Taliban rule, launches attacks into Pakistan.
– Diplomatic Isolation: The Taliban court China, Russia, and Iran, sidelining Islamabad.
The Haqqani Network’s Double Game
The Haqqani faction, long tied to Pakistan, now prioritizes Taliban sovereignty. Despite ISI pressure, they’ve failed to rein in the TTP, instead mediating fruitless talks. Cross-border clashes and Afghan economic struggles further strain ties.
Expert Insight:
“The Taliban see themselves as leaders of an Islamic Emirate—not Pakistan’s proxies,” notes a former Afghan intelligence official.
What Lies Ahead?
The Haqqania Mosque’s legacy as a jihadist icon endures, but its meaning has flipped. With Pakistan facing militant blowback and the Taliban seeking global ties, reconciliation seems distant. The message is clear: the Taliban now call the shots.
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