Is Pakistan’s Alliance with ISKP a Recipe for Regional Instability?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The alliance between Pakistan and ISKP may seem pragmatic, but it poses a severe threat to regional stability. With both parties facing significant setbacks, their collaboration could lead to increased violence and instability, particularly in India.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's alliance with ISKP is driven by desperation.
- Both parties face significant losses and humiliation.
- This partnership could destabilize the region further.
- ISKP has a history of violent actions against Pakistan.
- Future conflicts may extend into India and neighboring countries.
New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) Pakistan's escalating desperation and its inability to confront the Taliban and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have drawn it closer to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Recently, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that the ISKP is being orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI.
This assertion supports India's position on the matter.
Indian security officials express serious concern over the ISKP’s relatively subdued performance in 2024. Numerous international agencies monitoring the group had nearly classified it as defunct.
The Taliban proved inadequate against the ISKP, suffering significant losses during its operations in Afghanistan. In 2024, the ISKP attempted to regain its footing both on the battlefield and in online spaces, yet it struggled in both areas.
The strategy employed by Pakistan is perilous for the region and poses long-term risks for Islamabad as well.
An official from the Indian Intelligence Bureau argued that this is not a natural partnership.
Both ISKP and Pakistan are in dire straits, facing substantial setbacks.
The Pakistan Army has faced humiliation at the hands of the TTP, the Taliban, and the Balochistan Nationalist Army (BLA).
Conversely, the ISKP has struggled with recruitment and propaganda efforts and has been publicly shamed by the Taliban.
In this context, both the ISKP and Islamabad opted to unite against a shared adversary. This maneuver by the ISI supplies the ISKP with resources to challenge the Taliban, with the backing of the ISI and the Pakistan Army.
However, this support could lead to a future attempt to bolster the ISKP’s presence in India.
While the ISKP has primarily concentrated on the Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor, its ultimate target remains India.
Despite suffering setbacks in Afghanistan, it has yet to significantly advance its agenda in India.
Nonetheless, officials warn that this backing from the ISI might enable the ISKP to expand its operations into India, using the newfound momentum to recruit, spread propaganda, radicalize, and execute attacks.
Security experts caution that this gamble by Pakistan is extremely precarious. While it may yield short-term advantages, it could backfire against Islamabad in the long run, as seen with the TTP.
To understand this, one must consider the ISKP's history. When it was established in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, it explicitly opposed Pakistan, declaring its intention to overthrow the Pakistani government, which it deemed illegitimate. The group labeled the Pakistani government as apostate and aimed to impose its Caliphate.
Additionally, the ISKP has conducted violent assaults on Pakistani territory.
In 2023, a bombing in Bajaur claimed 60 lives, while in 2018, it targeted a political gathering in Mastung and a marketplace in Orakzai.
Ironically, the ISKP has also criticized Pakistan's ties with the Taliban and has previously opposed Chinese investments in Pakistan.
Another official noted that the trajectory of the ISKP's relationship with Pakistan mirrors that of the TTP. This alliance is likely a temporary ceasefire, and once their mutual objectives are achieved, the ISKP could turn into a significant threat to Pakistan.
Security analysts assert that while Pakistan may soon find itself at odds with the ISKP alongside its other adversaries, it is fostering a perilous situation in the region.
These conflicts could extend into the border areas of India and other neighboring nations. Overall, the actions of the ISI and the Pakistan Army pose a grave risk to regional stability, analysts argue.
Point of View
Our stance remains steadfast: while the dynamics between Pakistan and ISKP may serve short-term interests, the overarching consequences threaten to destabilize not only Pakistan but the entire region. History has shown that such alliances can rapidly turn hostile, posing a challenge to security across borders.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISKP?
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a terrorist group operating primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan, known for its violent attacks and opposition to the Taliban.
Why is Pakistan aligning with ISKP?
Pakistan's alignment with ISKP stems from its inability to combat the Taliban and TTP effectively, leading to a desperate partnership against common enemies.
What are the risks of this alliance?
This alliance poses significant risks, including increased violence in the region and potential threats to India, as ISKP may use its resources to expand operations.
Has ISKP previously targeted Pakistan?
Yes, the ISKP has conducted violent attacks on Pakistani soil, including bombings that resulted in numerous casualties.
What does this mean for regional stability?
The collaboration between Pakistan and ISKP could lead to heightened instability in the region, threatening not only Pakistan but also neighboring countries.
