Afghanistan’s future persists to remain highly uncertain amid ongoing withdrawal process of US-led troops. Security has drastically deteriorated. Whether it is south of the country or north, news of violence comes from every corner. With the end of harsh winter in Afghanistan, Taliban are expected to further intensify their operations and create more security hindrances for Afghan security forces and NATO troops.

In order to give a tough time to Afghan government and its international allies, Taliban are not caring for the lives of innocent civilians. According to UNAMA 7,500 civilians were killed last year and Taliban are responsible for 81% of these deaths. The high graph of civilian casualties caused majorly by Taliban raids have been a matter of great concern for Afghans. Regretfully, the government of Afghanistan has not been able to take any major step to counter the continued killings of innocent Afghans – except condemnations. The people of Afghanistan, who have suffered bloodshed for about three decades, seem more concerned as the war against insurgency is taking longer than expected.

Security has drastically deteriorated in Afghanistan questioning the roles and functions of security forces, Afghan government and its international allies. Insurgents’ planned attacks that include suicide/roadside bombings, target killings, direct clashes with security forces and kidnapping continue. Very unfortunately, we have witnessed increase in these activities in the last almost ten years despite all military and non-military efforts that have cost men and money.

Taliban are responsible for the lingering violence in our country – no doubt. But the government can also be held equally responsible as it has completely failed to counter the growth of insurgency. The government seemingly has become a victim of its own wrong policies and strategies.

In the insecure provinces of Afghanistan like Kandahar and Helmand, there have been some achievements against Taliban in the recent years. But NATO authorities themselves admit that these achievements are all fragile and Taliban can come back. If the momentum of Taliban has been, up to some extent, reversed in southern provinces, they have put efforts to expand their operations in the northern and other peaceful provinces of Afghanistan.

The future, for Afghans, seems completely vague and the level of uncertainty is at its climax in Afghanistan. The factor of uncertainty is largely responsible for waves of disappointments raised among the people. Only improvement in security situation can regain the trust of people and diminish their concerns.