Afghanistan has demanded that Pakistan take decisive action against militants operating from its soil, as Islamabad finds itself increasingly isolated in South Asia. The demand comes amid frustration over Pakistan's failure to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table, a promise it made nearly two years ago. Relations with Afghanistan are now at their worst in years, while ties with Iran and India have also deteriorated.
India's American-backed bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has compounded Pakistan's diplomatic troubles. The 48-nation body, which regulates global nuclear trade, is due to meet this month, and the United States has been lobbying members to support India's membership. Pakistan has requested similar treatment, but its proliferation record is seen as weaker, and it has instead asked China to veto India's bid. Smaller countries have reportedly objected to US pressure, noting that neither India nor Pakistan has signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
The United States has taken a series of steps that have angered Pakistan. Last month, a US drone strike in Balochistan killed Mullah Akthar Mansour, the Taliban leader, prompting accusations of sovereignty violations. Washington has also publicly accused Pakistan of failing to curb the Taliban and the Haqqani network, and President Obama has permitted remaining US forces in Afghanistan to fight alongside Afghan troops. The US further condemned extremist groups operating from Pakistani Punjab and Kashmir.
In a show of defiance, Pakistan's military allowed Hafiz Saeed, the Lashkar-e-Taiba leader wanted for the 2008 Mumbai bombings, to lead prayers in Islamabad. The military reportedly fears that the US is withdrawing from South Asia, leaving India as the region's dominant power. It has also accused Iran and Afghanistan of hosting Indian spies working to undermine Pakistan, including efforts to sabotage the China-backed transport corridor from Gwadar.
Pakistan's relations with Iran have soured over delays to an oil and gas pipeline, while China, its closest ally, is growing frustrated. Beijing wants the military to use its influence to end the Taliban-led war in Afghanistan and the insurgency in Balochistan. Domestically, foreign policy remains dominated by the military, with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's civilian government unable to improve ties with India, Iran, or the US, and facing criticism from opposition politicians.
