Since the Taliban takeover in Kabul, situation of Afghanistan is changing rapidly. Recent behavior of Taliban is not unexpected for those who interacted with Taliban as they understand their mind set and practices. Their narrow approach towards Islam or practice of radical Islam is not only threat for Afghanistan itself but also for neighboring countries. Even after occupying 80% of country, Taliban still failed to maintain peace in capital causing suspicions internationally. Kabul airport blast on 26 August 2021 which left 182 people dead and more 150 injured and blast at mosque in Kabul which left 5 people dead have footprints of ISIS-K. ISIS-K has demonstrated its operational capability on 26th August 2021 when a revenge operation was conducted against Taliban for brutal killing of ISIS-K head. Such attacks predict that ISIS-K would not give Taliban space to flourish independently.

On the other hand, Taliban have conducted several operations against ISIS-K but radical decisions by Taliban leadership are causing anger in population leaving the victims no choice but to join ISIS. Educational restrictions, gender discrimination, and victimization of opponents are strengthening ISIS-K and other anti-Taliban groups. Internal situation of Afghanistan and policies of Taliban will directly affect neighboring countries especially Pakistan and China who has huge security and economic stakes in the region. 

Taliban has provided Uzbek fighters modern weaponry and US army vehicles while they have moved ethnic Uyghur fighters from area near Afghanistan China border. On the other side Taliban announced that their soil will not be used against any country but their support to TTP has caused increase in attacks on security forces in Pakistan. The same TTP group is also involved in several attacks on Chinese nationals including the recent suicide blast on Chinese nationals working at Dasu Hydro Power Project in Pakistan. Rise of Taliban has encouraged TTP at the level where they rejected the announcement of PM Imran Khan for dialogue and cease fire and vowed that they will keep on attacking Pakistani security forces till Pakistan fulfil their demands. This situation is dangerous as it will provide room to anti Pakistan and anti-China forces to flourish. There is no doubt that there are such elements in the lines of Taliban which was demonstrated by tearing apart Pakistani flags from relief trucks. 

In the context of rising economic power of China, India will be front man of west in the region to deter Chinese influence and for this purpose disturbed Afghanistan suits to India. Close coordination of China, Russia and Pakistan in the region is danger to US interests. Neither India nor US is in position to fight two front war with China and Russia. So unconventional tactics will be practiced in the upcoming future and Afghanistan will be test for both Pakistan and China.