Rude Awakening: Pakistan’s Limited Leverage Over theAfghan Taliban

The return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan in August 2021 was a watershed moment that was met with apprehension by the international community. The reaction in Pakistan, however, was notably different as it was optimistic. Then Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Afghanistan had broken free from the “shackles of slavery”, welcoming it as an opportunity to foster a supportive regime next door.