Shoaib Abbasi

South Asia watcher | Insights on politics, war, conflict & diplomacy | Bridging narratives, challenging biases | Tweets for awareness, not agitation

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

#Afghans must realize that war is an extraordinarily costly and devastating enterprise.
Over the past forty years, Afghanistan has fought two major wars both sustained by the backing of foreign superpowers.

The first war took place during the Soviet era. At that time, the Afghan government’s entire budget was financed by the Soviet Union, while the Taliban or Mujahideen were funded by the United States, and other allies.
It is said that during those days, fuel tankers outside Bagram Airbase were left open, allowing ordinary Afghans to collect fuel freely.
Despite their political agenda, the Soviets introduced infrastructure and public welfare schools, hospitals, roads, and power projects that laid the foundation for modern Afghanistan.

Then came the Taliban, followed by the Americans.

For the next two decades, the United States effectively carried Afghanistan’s entire economy on its shoulders. Government expenditures, salaries, and development initiatives were all driven by American aid. Even the Taliban indirectly benefited financially through U.S. or NATO contractors, which prolonged the conflict.

However, the situation today is completely different.
Pakistan’s case is not the same. It is not a wealthy nation capable of sustaining Afghanistan’s military or public expenditures. While limited financial assistance from India,iran might be possible, none can provide the kind of robust support once offered by Moscow or Washington. This time, if war erupts, it will be the first conflict Afghans will have to finance and fight on their own.

The Taliban now bear responsibility not only for their fighters but for the welfare of forty million Afghan citizens. In the event of a confrontation with Pakistan, the Taliban would stand little chance against the Pakistan Air Force. Aerial strikes could devastate vital infrastructure oil depots, power grids, water reservoirs, and communication networks. Such a scenario would push Afghanistan back by three to four decades, plunging its people into poverty, hunger, and darkness.

Those making decisions in Kabul must act with reason and foresight rather than emotion and pride. Choosing the path of war would bring destruction not only to their adversaries but to their own people as well.

The Taliban might manage minor skirmishes or isolated border attacks, but they fail to grasp the magnitude of the potential consequences. Pakistan’s military and air power could inflict losses that Afghanistan cannot afford to bear.

Therefore, the Taliban leadership must act with prudence, pursue diplomatic avenues, and safeguard the future of their people. Because this time, there will be no United States, no Russia , only the Afghan nation itself, and its destiny.

@SamiYousafzaii

[Christopher Clary @clary_co]

The image now available on Google Earth with a capture date of May 17, 2025, does seem to show some damage at Udhampur air force station. I think the clearest image we have to date.

[Faisal Mumtaz Rathore @PMofAJK]

First and foremost, it is highly unfortunate that general public is bearing the brunt of current situation. It pains me to see public as a whole suffering due to illogical stubbornness of a proscribed group. Videos of miscreants threatening and in some cases thrashing traders who choose to open their businesses are circulating online. I've taken stock of the situation and given directions to the relevant administration officials to provide immediate relief to the people.

I'm fully aware of hardships our people are facing in the affected areas. Help is on its way.

After making repeated appeals for meaningful dialogue with the proscribed group, we tacitly welcomed every third party efforts for mediation and even opened backdoor channels for negotiations. Nothing worked. Their implicit demand that the State should surrender unconditionally doesn't sit well with us. Now there are reports of yet another ultimatum to the State with tomorrow as deadline after which they'll start marching towards the capital with whatever numbers they've left. Tomorrow too shall pass like any other day and any desperate attempt by them to further deteriorate the situation will be met with full force of law.

I assure you all that days of chaos and unrest will soon be behind us asnd I'm confident peace and calm will return to our land for good.

[Zard si Gana @ZardSi]

India got humiliated and embarrassed once again! 🇮🇳🤣

A U.S diplomat gave a shut-up call to Indian media for its foolish anti-Pakistan agenda during special Iran US talks.

"India is like a bunch of triggered schoolchildren."

India has lost all respect.

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

افواہیں پھیلانے سے گریز کریں یہاں پورے مڈل ایسٹ میں فائیو جی نصب ہے نہ تو ہر گھر میں ٹاور ہیں اور نہ ہی لوگ کینسر سے مر رہے ہین اب لوگ سکس جی کیطرف جا رہے ہیں اور ہمیں فائیو جی میں بھی سازش نظر آ رہی ہے ۔
تھوڑا ملک پر رحم کریں ۔پہلے افواہیں تھی کہ پولیو کہ قطرے پینے سے بچے نہیں ہوں گے اب پاکستان د��یا کی سب سے زیادہ آبادی والا چھٹا ملک بن چکا ہے ۔

[Fidato @tequieremos]

Pakistan was created in 1947, but Pakistanis did not appear in 1947. The people who built Pakistan were descendants of the civilizations and communities that inhabited the Indus region, including those who lived in and around Taxila.

By your logic, modern Egypt cannot claim the pyramids because the Egyptian state is recent; modern Italy cannot regard Rome as part of its heritage because the Roman Empire vanished centuries ago; and modern Iran cannot celebrate Persepolis because the Islamic Republic was founded only in 1979.

[Anas Mallick @AnasMallick]

With Pakistan hosting the Burgenstock Lake Lucerne Summit between US & Iran as the principle mediator with facilitator Qatar in presence, There's only one word for one of Pakistan's neighbours that used to chest thump about being "incredible" but in reality, they're "Irrelevant"

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

I've joked that I have 2 very very important people in my life: an Indian and a Pakistani, The Indian is my wife, and the Pakistani is Field Marshal Asim Munir @JDVance

#JDVance #Iran #USA #Pakistan

[Hamid Mir حامد میر @HamidMirPAK]

جنوبی لبنان میں اسرائیلی بمباری سے تباہ ہونے والے قاسمیہ پل پر ایک لبنانی اپنی ٹوٹی ہوئی گاڑی کے ساتھ کھڑا تھا میں اس کے پاس گیا تو اس نے سب سے پہلے پاکستان کا شکریہ ادا کیا پھر اسکی آنکھوں سے آنسو جاری ہو گئے لبنان میں جدھر بھی جاتا ہوں لوگ پاکستان کا ذکر محبت سے کرتے ہیں

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

@HamidMirPAK امید ہے لبنان سے واپسی کے بعد اپ فوج مخالف پروپیگنڈہ سے گریز کریں گے ۔
اور صحافت کی آڑ میں انکو متنازعہ نہیں بنائیں گے

[Council on Foreign Relations @CFR_org]

The Iran deal will be seen as an unalloyed win for at least one country: Pakistan, which played the role of principal mediator between the U.S. and Iran, writes CFR expert @dhume for @WSJopinion.

"But in the long term, Islamabad’s gains may prove transitory. To avoid this, Pakistan ought to use its newfound prominence on the global stage to address the economic problems that have long held it back." https://t.co/QduBYKxZmy

[Anas Mallick @AnasMallick]

While the Iran US MoU released by Iranian President clearly states that Its nomenclature is "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding", propagandists masquerading as journalists from one of Pakistan's neighbours are still reluctant to write the Word Islamabad and dishonestly just refer to it as Iran US MoU -- Talk about being petty.

[Anas Mallick @AnasMallick]

The agreement reached between US and Iran is titled as the Islamabad MoU.

It was endorsed by Pakistan's PM as the mediator -- Even when Pakistan was not there in Tehran or in France at G7, it was literally in the room when the matter was being finally inked.

Compare this with the fake claims of one of Pakistan's neighbours claiming to a vishwaguru, same who got humiliated in May 2025 during the 04 day war.

So much for those tall claims.

[Lin Jian 林剑 @SpoxCHN_LinJian]

Chinese FM Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy PM & FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Wang Yi congratulated Pakistan on facilitating the conclusion of the memorandum of understanding for the first phase of negotiations between Iran and the US. From the very beginning, #China has firmly supported #Pakistan, stressing to all sides that Pakistan is a trustworthy mediator, while also engaging separately with Iran and the US.

Lasting peace in the Middle East and the Gulf region still requires unremitting efforts from all parties. The second-phase negotiations are expected to be more challenging than the first phase. China stands ready to work with Pakistan to continuously promote peace and dialogue, and to make sustained efforts for the early restoration of peace, stability and development in the Middle East.

🔗https://t.co/0jF9aJglLl

[Ammar Masood @ammarmasood3]

Deeply disturbing.
ASI Javed of Islamabad Police, while returning after the tragic loss of his mother, was reportedly stopped by protesters in Rawalakot, identified through his police ID, and brutally assaulted, leaving both his legs fractured.

Violence against a grieving son and public servant is unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally. Wishing ASI Javed a swift recovery and hoping those responsible are brought to justice.
#IslamabadPolice #AJK #RuleOfLaw

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

For decades, India cultivated the perception that the United States and the broader international community viewed it as a strategic peer and a credible counterweight to China. However, after Operation Sindoor, the "Vishwaguru (Super Power)" narrative has encountered a harsh reality check, exposing the difference between ambition, image, and actual geopolitical influence & military power.

While the US & West is increasingly reassessing India's strategic capabilities and global standing, many within India remain reluctant to confront these realities. Instead of engaging in honest self reflection, they continue to cling to narratives that no longer align with the geopolitical facts on the ground.

[U.S. Pacific Command @USPACOM]

Department of War Restores U.S. Pacific Command Designation.

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — The Department of War announced today that the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) will officially restore its name to the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM).

Originally established on January 1, 1947, by President Harry S. Truman, the command operated under the USPACOM banner for over 70 years, standing as the oldest and largest of the United States' unified combatant commands.

Restoring the legacy USPACOM designation honors the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific. From its critical role in establishing the post-WWII regional security architecture to its coordination of joint forces during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and countless humanitarian operations, the USPACOM namesake carries decades of military heritage and enduring regional partnerships.

USPACOM’s vast area of responsibility—spanning from the waters off the West Coast of the United States to the western border of India—remains exactly the same. The command's fundamental mission and its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open theater alongside regional allies and partners are unchanged.

https://t.co/5zeycP2lip

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

@NaureenJanjua ملیشیا کہ صدر کی سیکرٹری فون کر کہ شکریہ پاکستان کہہ رہی تھی 😂

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

ذرائع کے مطابق دو دن پہلے عمران خان کو خفیہ طور پر ��ڈیالہ جیل سے نکال کر پمز کے بہانے ایک نامعلوم مقام پر منتقل کیا گیا، جہاں انہیں ایران۔امریکہ امن معاہدے کی فائل دکھائی گئی۔

مرشد نے فائل کے چند صفحات پلٹے، ایک گہرا سانس لیا، اور فرمایا: “چلو ٹھیک ہے، اجازت ہے۔”

اسی اجازت کے فوراً بعد شہباز شریف نے ٹویٹ کر دی، معاہدہ ہو گیا، جنگ ٹل گئی اور دنیا تیسری عالمی جنگ سے بال بال بچ گئی۔

لہٰذا عالمی امن، مشرقِ وسطیٰ کے استحکام اور دنیا کی بقا کا کریڈٹ ایک بار پھر مرشد کو جاتا ہے۔

شکریہ مرشد عمران خان

[Shoaib Abbasi @Ab_bbc]

@NaureenJanjua @arrehman880 بجٹ پاس ہونے کیبعد ساری افواہیں دم۔توڑ جائیں گی

[Anas Mallick @AnasMallick]

While the entire world is crediting Pakistan for the US - Iran agreement, there is one country in the region which has small men governing its big offices which continues to shy away and giving Pakistan the credit where its due — Not that Pak needs any validation but it shows the other sides grace, if they have any.