Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been escalating for months. Now, an investigative report by the American magazine New Lines claims that Pakistan, frustrated with the Taliban, has quietly reopened political channels with anti-Taliban leaders. According to the report, Islamabad is actively exploring options for a regime change in Afghanistan.
The magazine states that Pakistan’s calculus has changed due to three major developments: Afghanistan’s improving ties with India, the collapse of the Istanbul peace talks, and the rising attacks by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These factors have pushed Pakistan toward considering a new political arrangement in Kabul.
Pakistan reportedly wants Ahmad Massoud as the new Supreme Leader
The report reveals that Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI has been in contact with Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF). Sources claim that during the final days of Ashraf Ghani’s government, the then-ISI chief Faiz Hameed held a secret meeting with Massoud in a Gulf country to discuss the formation of an “inclusive government.”
More recently, Pakistan hosted multiple Afghan opposition leaders in October, signaling a renewed effort to build an anti-Taliban coalition.
The report states that Pakistan has the military capability and intelligence networks to shift Afghanistan’s political balance by targeting key Taliban leaders. However, attempting a regime change could trigger a large influx of refugees into Pakistan.
Ahmad Massoud and opposition leaders become active again
Following Pakistan’s renewed outreach, leaders like Ahmad Massoud and former Afghan Army Chief Yasin Zia have resurfaced politically. New Lines notes that communication channels between Pakistan and anti-Taliban representatives are now functional again.
NRF’s cautious response
Abdullah Khanjani, political head of the NRF, told New Lines that the group is “cautious” about engaging with Pakistan. He said Pakistan has historically tried to “control and limit” Afghan opposition groups, and any cooperation must align strictly with Afghanistan’s national interest.
