Wakhan Corridor can act as a shield against terrorism

Express Tribune

14-03-2025

The writer is a public policy analyst based in Lahore. She can be reached at [e-mail]
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Pakistan's relationship with Afghanistan has been marked by shared histories, cultural ties and decades of geopolitical upheaval. Despite these commonalities, the bilateral relationship has often been fraught with mistrust and conflict. While Pakistan played a crucial role in supporting Afghanistan during times of crisis, it has borne huge costs — economically, socially, and in terms of security.
Today, emerging threats such as the Wakhan Corridor risk further destabilising Pakistan, presenting challenges that require urgent attention and innovative solutions.
Pakistan's involvement in Afghanistan's wars has left it grappling with dire consequences. The 1980s witnessed Pakistan becoming a frontline state in the Afghan-Soviet conflict, a role that reshaped its internal dynamics. With the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in the 2000s, Pakistan once again became enmeshed in its neighbour's chaos. Despite providing crucial support to Western efforts and suffering from the spillover effects of Afghanistan's instability, Pakistan's contributions were often overlooked.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Over 80,000 lives were lost, and direct and indirect economic losses exceeded $450 billion - a staggering sum that dwarfs any financial aid Pakistan received. Between 2001 and 2017 alone, Pakistan suffered annual losses of $7.7 billion, totaling $123.2 billion, far surpassing what it spent on education, healthcare and welfare during the same period. Western aid was mere reimbursement rather than compensation for the massive toll inflicted by Afghanistan's enduring crises. This relentless instability also crippled Pakistan's infrastructure, displaced millions and fueled extremism within its borders.
Amidst these challenges, a new threat has emerged in the form of the Wakhan Corridor - a narrow, mountainous passageway that connects Afghanistan to China while skirting Pakistan's northernmost border. This corridor, historically linked to Pakistan before colonial demarcations, has become a porous gateway for Afghan-based militants. Its unchecked nature enables terrorist groups to infiltrate Pakistan, China and Central Asia, destabilising the entire region.
Adding to this is Afghanistan's paradoxical stance on regional connectivity. While the Taliban openly allows India access to Afghan airbases and trade routes, they resist Pakistan's legitimate ambitions for regional connectivity. This clear bias undermines Afghanistan's own economic interests and highlights the complexities of the geopolitical landscape. Such policies create further isolation and hamper cooperation that could benefit all.
The Wakhan Corridor's vulnerability to extremism and its role in obstructing regional trade make it a critical issue for Pakistan. Without security measures, this passageway risks becoming a transit hub for militants, exacerbating Pakistan's internal security threats and undermining its efforts to promote regional stability.
To address this multifaceted challenge, Pakistan must adopt a proactive approach. First, Pakistan could explore diplomatic and legal avenues to negotiate the leasing or acquisition of the Wakhan Corridor, securing a direct trade route to Central Asia. Such a move would not only enhance regional connectivity but also reduce reliance on unstable Afghan transit routes. If negotiations fail, Pakistan might consider constructing a tunnel to bypass Afghanistan altogether, providing a stable and secure link to Central Asia.
Second, Pakistan must collaborate with neighboring countries, including China and CARs, to advocate for collective security measures in the Wakhan Corridor. Joint initiatives could prevent the corridor from becoming a safe haven for terrorists while promoting shared economic interests.
Lastly, Pakistan should invest in regional dialogue, emphasising the mutual benefits of connectivity and stability for all stakeholders, including Afghanistan.
The Wakhan Corridor represents both a historical legacy and a contemporary challenge for Pakistan. The corridor offers an opportunity to redefine regional dynamics. With strategic foresight and collaborative efforts, Pakistan can transform this neglected gateway into a bridge of economic prosperity and peace.