There is an understandable, if sometimes counterproductive, tendency in New Delhi to view Pakistan’s internal tensions and contradictions only through the lens of a troubled bilateral relationship. The clash between Pakistani and Afghan forces during Afghanistan Foreign Minister and Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, and its fallout, is a case in point. The current round of violence began with Pakistan carrying out airstrikes inside Afghan territory, and the latter retaliating by capturing military posts across the Durand Line. Security personnel have been killed on both sides. The state of ties between Rawalpindi and Kabul is certainly of strategic significance to India in particular and the region as a whole. It is also important, however, to understand the broader histor

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