@not_ahk
So This should serve as a reply to both.
Understanding the dynamic.
Pakistan fought two wars in the region at the behest of United States. One that was anti communist and second to bring Afghanistan and Central Asian Stans under US rules based order. A US centric world, where the resources in the region a either channeled for the US and/or international markets and through the US led monetary system.
Where do you see Pakistan in the above scenario? Pakistan was left with the bag BOTH times... to deal with the consequences. In its second iteration US struck a deal to extract itself without the involvement of Pakistan. Benefit or extraction...
Only to deal with the consequences once again...
Yet, Pakistan is a part of that region!!!
Pakistan did NOT leave itself and out! A country that it shares its MOST important border with...
The change of dynamic...
In comes the Chinese, keeping a window open they set up shop. The previous dynamic is dead in the water. US is not coming back for central Asia. The pipelines are a pipe dream. There is a new guy in town with BRI and Afghans jumped right in... it is Pakistan and it's nature of second guessing itself and volunteering for someone else's goals which created this dynamic.
Pakistan can only offer US sabotage of BRI and eventual Eurasian cohesion. Economically and politically... obviating the Western powers for the very first time in centuries. But US doesn't want to play ball, yet! As systems work things take time in the pipeline.
But Pakistan burned a bridge in Afghanistan only to rebuild for the benefit of its master.
Chinese know, yet they play a patient game. They're willing to play the time game because in their estimate, time is with them... they can not only outlast the US but build a world more conducive to their interests, especially in their periphery.
So, yes. It is not what Afghanistan wants... it is essentially what Pakistan wants... play a spoiler or a builder. Pakistan in its eagerness shot itself in the foot and now reaps it's consequences. The one who doesn't want to promote trade, protect and establish lines. And the ones burnt don't trust even if the same guys go on their knees. Untenable, it is... I got more questions then Solutions for now... let's see if we see a shift once orange clown is in the office and if he has a policy shift for the region or will he leave it alone for the next four...