Re-Emergence of Taliban in Afghanistan: A study of Socio-economic Impacts on Pakistan

Abstract

This article examines the socioeconomic effects of the Taliban's comeback in Afghanistan on Pakistan, specifically with regard to commerce, refugee flows, and economic stability. The Taliban quickly reclaimed control of Afghanistan after the US withdrew in 2021, drastically changing the regional environment. Pakistan, Afghanistan's closest neighbour, has been directly impacted by societal pressures, disruptions in cross-border trade, and refugee movements. The study employs a qualitative research technique and draws from academic literature, government papers, policy assessments, scholar interviews, and pertinent media sources. This study examines how developments in Afghanistan inevitably affect Pakistan's socioeconomic sphere, especially after the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. This is due to the long and porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as the shared language and cultural ties among border populations.