The Evolving Dynamics of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Chairman PMLN UK
Chief Editor Daily Rapid Lahore
Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite sharing Islamic ties and a long history, have had several disputes rooted in historical, political, and security issues. Here are the primary reasons for tensions:
1. Durand Line Dispute
• The Durand Line, drawn in 1893 by British India, demarcates the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan has never formally recognized it as an international border, claiming that it divides the Pashtun ethnic group. This dispute remains a major source of friction.
2. Cross-Border Terrorism
• Both countries accuse each other of harboring and supporting terrorist groups. Pakistan alleges that Afghan soil has been used by groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to carry out attacks. Similarly, Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of aiding the Taliban and destabilizing its government.
3. Ethnic and Nationalist Movements
• The shared Pashtun population along the border has fueled suspicions. Afghanistan has historically supported Pashtun nationalism, which Pakistan fears could lead to separatism in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
4. Influence of External Powers
• During the Cold War and later during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, Pakistan played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan mujahideen and later the Taliban. This involvement created resentment among Afghans who see Pakistan as interfering in their sovereignty. Conversely, Pakistan has viewed Afghanistan as susceptible to Indian influence, which raises its security concerns.
5. Economic and Refugee Strain
• While Pakistan hosted over 3 million Afghan refugees during the U.S. invasion and earlier conflicts, the influx strained its economy and resources. Additionally, refugees have been accused of being involved in criminal activities or harboring militants, exacerbating public resentment in Pakistan.
6. Mistrust and Divergent Goals
• Pakistan sees a stable but compliant Afghanistan as vital for its security and strategic depth against India. Afghanistan, however, seeks to assert its independence and rejects any notion of subservience to Pakistan. This divergence in goals has fueled mutual suspicion.
7. Taliban’s Role
• While Pakistan has historically supported the Taliban for strategic reasons, their rise to power in Afghanistan has not resolved tensions. Border skirmishes and disagreements over security policies persist, even under the Taliban-led government.
In summary, despite religious and cultural ties, historical grievances, nationalistic goals, and external influences have kept Afghanistan and Pakistan at odds. While Pakistan’s hospitality during times of Afghan crisis is acknowledged, mutual mistrust and unresolved issues continue to strain relations.
How to resolve the mutual disputes
Resolving disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan requires addressing the root causes of their tensions and fostering mutual trust through dialogue, cooperation, and international mediation. Here are key steps both countries can take:
1. Recognition of the Durand Line
• Afghanistan could formally recognize the Durand Line as the international border to settle a longstanding territorial dispute. In return, Pakistan could ensure that the border is managed collaboratively, allowing cross-border trade and people-to-people connections while addressing security concerns.
2. Joint Border Management
• Both nations can establish joint mechanisms to monitor and manage their border. This could include:
• Fencing and surveillance to prevent illegal crossings.
• Shared border posts for smoother trade and travel.
• Bilateral agreements to facilitate legitimate movement of goods and people.
3. Counterterrorism Cooperation
• Both countries need to work together to combat cross-border terrorism. This could involve:
• Intelligence-sharing to track militant groups.
• Joint operations against extremist networks like the TTP or ISIS-K.
• A mutual commitment to avoid harboring or supporting insurgent groups targeting each other.
4. Economic Collaboration
• Enhancing economic ties can strengthen bilateral relations. Initiatives could include:
• Building joint infrastructure projects like roads and railways.
• Expanding trade agreements to boost mutual economic benefits.
• Establishing industrial zones near the border to create jobs and reduce economic grievances.
5. Resolving Refugee Issues
• Pakistan and Afghanistan should work together with the UN and other international organizations to:
• Repatriate Afghan refugees voluntarily and safely.
• Ensure economic integration of refugees within Afghanistan.
• Create frameworks to prevent refugee crises in future conflicts.
6. Promoting Cultural and People-to-People Ties
• Strengthening cultural connections can reduce hostility. Efforts could include:
• Encouraging exchanges in education, sports, and arts.
• Highlighting shared history and Islamic ties to build solidarity.
7. Mediation and Dialogue
• Third-party mediators like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or UN can facilitate dialogue. A neutral international body could help address contentious issues such as border disputes and terrorism.
8. Neutralizing External Interference
• Both countries should reduce the influence of external powers in their bilateral relations, especially when it leads to mistrust. Instead, they should prioritize regional cooperation through platforms like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) or Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
9. Taliban’s Role as Afghanistan’s Government
• Pakistan should engage constructively with the Taliban-led government while respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Afghanistan must assure Pakistan that its territory won’t be used to harbor anti-Pakistan militants.
10. Building Trust Through Small Wins
• Begin with achievable goals, like resolving trade bottlenecks or organizing joint cultural festivals. Gradual progress in smaller areas can pave the way for resolving larger disputes.
By focusing on shared interests—like regional stability, economic growth, and cultural ties—both countries can overcome their differences and work toward a future of mutual cooperation.
