IS is becoming a threat not only to regional security but also to Al-Qaeda. It is making its presence felt in Afghanistan by taking over many areas such as Faryab province in northern Afghanistan.

The presence of the IS in Afghanistan can be a game-changer, as there are sharp differences between the IS and the Taliban leaders and there is no love lost between the two outfits. Besides, the Taliban cannot afford to support another foreign militant organisation in Afghanistan.

It is due to these issues that the Taliban are trying to muster Iranian and Afghan government support against the IS. Since there is a possibility of an agreement between the Afghan government and the Taliban, Pakistan needs to beware and take necessary precautions for the IS presence in the region.

Natasha Iftikhar

Peshawar

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2015

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