The Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship is intricate as well as diverse, encompassing several decades of common history, intricate geopolitical dynamics, and a joint endeavour to combat terrorism. Steeped in a web of strategic interests, ideological differences, and security considerations, this relationship has vacillated between collaboration and discord. The Durand Line, a demarcation established during the colonial era that Afghanistan has long contested, has been a central factor in their interactions, influencing the course of bilateral relations since their establishment.
Pakistan emerged as a central actor in the aftermath of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the late 20th century, providing support to Afghan Mujahideen through its international allies. During this period, the foundation was laid for a relationship marked by strategic deliberations, as Pakistan positioned itself as a critical stakeholder in the future of Afghanistan. Subsequent to the Taliban’s rise and collapse and the intervention led by the United States, bilateral relations remained in a perpetual state of instability, characterised by allegations on Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to insurgents.
The re-establishment of Taliban authority in August 2021 marked a critical juncture in the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. At the outset, Pakistan embraced a prudently sanguine position, endorsing international involvement with the Taliban as a means to guarantee stability in Afghanistan. However, this relationship got disrupted due to the resurgence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other affiliated militant organisations. Pakistan has accused the Taliban administration of providing safe havens to militant factions, that pose security threats to Pakistan.
The ongoing tensions over Durand Line have introduced additional complexities to the bilateral relations. In addition to causing casualties on both sides, clashes and military engagements have caused temporary closures of vital border crossings and disruptions to trade, affecting negatively on the economies and daily lives. Notwithstanding such obstacles, occurrences of collaboration and discourse have transpired, underscoring the interdependence and prospect for alliance between the two nations, particularly in domains such as commerce, anti-terrorism, and regional equilibrium.
The occurrences that transpire in March 2024 signify a substantial intensification in the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the wake of an assault that claimed the lives of seven Pakistani personnel in North Waziristan, Pakistan launched “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations” along the border regions of Afghanistan. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for planning terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil, were the targets of these operations. The military reaction served to emphasise Pakistan’s dedication, as declared by Pakistan Government, to protect national borders and respond to aggression, thereby showcasing the country’s pre-occupation with preserving its security and interests.
On the contrary, Afghan Government has strongly condemned the airstrikes, alleging to have civilian casualties in Paktika and Khost provinces. This condemnation highlights the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries and the potential for additional conflict. Reportedly, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military bases in retaliation, as declared by Afghan Ministry of Defence, signalling a readiness to defend Afghan sovereignty. These advancements give rise to apprehensions regarding the ramifications for stability and peace in the region and highlight the intricate security dilemmas that both countries confront.
Pakistan’s position, as expressed by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), emphasize that Afghanistan serves as a haven for terrorists, attributing recent acts of terrorism within Pakistan to organisations operating from Afghan soil. The aforementioned claims and the subsequent military reactions serve to expose the complex obstacles that both nations confront when attempting to combat terrorism. This also underscores the critical nature of collaborative endeavours to vanquish such perils. These involvements in attacks inside Pakistan by Afghans is also the reason that illegal and undocumented Afghan refugees are being expelled from Pakistan and sent back to Afghanistan for national security and law and order.
In light of the prevailing tensions, the imperative for constructive dialogue and cooperative efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains increasingly evident. Despite both countries’ stated dedication to combating terrorism, their military engagements and reciprocal accusations indicate a significant lack of trust and a breakdown in communication. With an eye towards the future, it is critical that both nations participate in productive discourse, which could be enhanced by the involvement of global allies, in order to settle their differences and work together to safeguard the stability and security of the region. Adopting this strategy is crucial not solely for the advancement of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s bilateral relations, but also for the greater good of South Asian peace and prosperity.
