Pakistan’s Interests and Policy towards Taliban Regime in Afghanistan (1996-2001): An Analysis of Role of Military and Bureaucratic Elite

Abstract

This research paper aims to unveil the interests and policies of Pakistan towards Taliban regime in Afghanistan with an emphasis on the role of military and bureaucratic elite It is believed that these two elites are the real movers and shakers of Pakistan’s foreign policy.  During this period the strategic and economic interests intertwined with each other.  The role of Military and Civilian bureaucracy appears at two levels. First, the role of Civilian bureaucracy is more visible under the patronage of Naseer Ullah Baber, the then interior minister. He in pursuit of exploiting economic opportunities wanted peace and stability in Afghanistan.  Second, The Military and ISI, which had always been under the control of policy and operational involvement into Afghanistan since long, were first not clear on Taliban. Soon realizing the significance of Taliban’s victories, it decided to shed off the burden of its traditional allies and instruments, Gulbadin Hikmat Yar and Abdul Rashid Dostam. The research reveals that no regular army units were directly involved at operational level. Some Ex ISI officers or soldiers in their personal capacity might have fought along with Taliban against Northern Alliance. The circumstantial evidences prove that Pakistan did not stop the crossing of armed students from Pakistani religious Madrassa. This can be termed as to be a practical help on the part of Pakistan’s regular Armed Forces.

Key words: Afghanistan, Taliban, economic and strategic interests , Governing Elite, Military Elite, Bureaucratic Elite, Naser-Ullah Babar,