The narrative gap between Pakistan and Afghanistan fuels unnecessary mistrust. Many in Pakistan believe the Afghan Taliban sided with India during the recent Indo-Pak tensions. They also claim the Taliban refused to label Pakistan’s stance as jihad. However, key figures in the Afghan Taliban’s leadership have avoided making such statements. Only a few individuals voiced these views and the Taliban leadership reprimanded them. Afghan sources confirm this.
Still, a few commentators in both countries have framed this conflict as a national war, not a religious one. One such voice is former Afghan ambassador Mullah Zaeef. His statements often gain attention in Pakistan. But in reality, he no longer holds a formal position with the Islamic Emirate. He lived under U.S backed regimes for years and carries personal grievances against Pakistan. His opinions, while loud, are not influential in Kabul’s current circles. Even within Afghanistan, many don’t take him seriously.
Amplifying the Fringe: Media Missteps and the Crisis of Credibility
Unfortunately, Pakistani media amplifies such fringe voices. This leads to more confusion and fuels negative perceptions. Similarly, many Afghan citizens hold deep suspicions of Pakistan. These views come from history, past policies, and a lack of direct engagement. Changing these perceptions requires effort, planning, and honest dialogue.
Moreover, Pakistani social media influencers often lack deep understanding of Afghan politics and society. Their tone can sound dismissive or shallow. This only makes things worse. To improve ties, Pakistan must invest in direct communication channels. It should create dedicated media platforms in Pashto and Dari. These should inform Afghans about Pakistan’s policies and intentions in a consistent, professional way.
Establishing Credibility: Clarifying Voices and Verifying Influence
Finally, these platforms should also clarify who speaks for Pakistan. If someone from Pakistan makes a harsh or controversial statement, media teams must verify the source. They should explain whether the person holds real influence or not. Right now, every comment, no matter how obscure, becomes a national headline in Afghan media.
Without addressing this narrative gap, misunderstandings will grow and so will the mistrust.
