As the battle for control of Afghanistan unfolds following the withdrawal of foreign troops, Pakistan will aim to consolidate its influence in the country while dealing with threats of militant activity in its own territory in order to ensure the security of economically vital projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On July 27, the United Nations confirmed that the Pakistan-based terrorist group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has maintained ties with the Afghan Taliban. According to the U.N. report, approximately 6,000 TTP members are currently present in Afghanistan’s eastern district bordering Pakistan, where they’ve been actively providing military support to the Taliban’s ongoing offensive against the Afghan government. Pakistan has historically relied on its good relationship with the Afghan Taliban to keep TTP fighters in check. As it awaits the rise of the ultimate power bearer amid the turmoil in Afghanistan, Islamabad will focus on preventing violence in its western provinces...
